Algorithmic Bias and the News on Iran War

The current war in the Middle East spurred me to watch news and latest updates in Youtube  as I no longer rely on free TV or newspaper. The news outlet that I clicked first is Fox News and from that moment on Youtube just give me video clips from Fox. I have to scroll a lot to find other news outlets like BBC. The CNN? Nada, they don't appear in my Youtube feed.

The algorithm machine of Youtube thought that I prefer Fox over CNN --- which is correct. But just showing me Fox is just too much. I actually wanted to see other News Outlet for a balanced perspective.

This incident showed me the danger of algorithmic bias of social apps. In a bid to make me watch longer, Youtube, FB, etc. will just show me the things that I like. Longer views translates to higher revenue.

Relying on algorithm limits our understanding of the complex issue that affects us all. Thus, it is imperative for us to actively search for the facts rather than be blinded by platforms nd their algrithmic bias. 

Scam or Not? Crown Regency Hotel Free 3 Days and 2 Nights Offer

Days after attending the PhilMarine Expo at SMX Mall of Asia I received the following text message:

Hi, Maam/Sir. We just want to know if you're still interested to claim your ULTIMATE VACATION CERTIFICATE? (3days & 2nights in CROWN REGENCY HOTEL & RESORTS in BORACAY, CEBU and DAVAO. Good for 2ADULTS & 2KIDS and NO EXPIRATI0N DATE. Our company still giving you a chance to claim it ON TUESDAY (July 01, 2025) in between 5:00pm to 7:30pm were willing to wait and accommodate you here in our office at LE METROPOLE BLDG. Groundfloor Unit 102 corner Tordesillas Street Buendia Makati City. Inline of RCBC PLAZA and infront of Malugay stoplight buendia. Kindly make an advise before the possible forfeiture of the Voucher. We don't want you to miss the opportunity having this valuable and usable Gift Certificate. NO FINANCIAL OBLIGATION upon claiming. Thank you! This is [redacted].

I am actually expecting to receive this message since I filled a “raffle coupon” during the expo. The modus operandi is similar to the past expos that I attended where I filled up raffle coupons and then I received too-good-to-be-true offers. I almost fell to their modus but thankfully I did  not bite their bait. I posted about that experience in SCAM ALERT! One Tagaytay Place Scam and SCAM ALERT! Club Ultima / Crown Regency Hotel Scam

I did not respond to the text message so I have no info if the Ultimate Vacation Certificate in Crown Regency Hotels is a scam or not.

They called me asking if I am still interested with their offer. I said "no" and they said that they inform their management of my decision. I do hope that they will no longer bother me after that phone call.

As for me I will not be taking up their offer since I do not usually travel to Boracay and Cebu. I usually travel to Davao but we always stay in my in-laws' home. This offer is not fit for me.