Fork Social Media and the Algorithm It Rode in On

by Sudi Karatas

Stories collected by the author about those who have been banned and restricted from posting on social media, many times over innocent or harmless posts, because computer algorithms don't understand humor, sarcasm or satire. It takes everything literally. Sudi (Rick) Karatas ended up a "Prisoner of a Social Media site starting with the letter "F" slammer" when he commented "Stick a fork in him he's done" meaning the guy's career was over. Karatas was "charged" with "promoting violence" and he was "locked up" for 30 days in "Jail" unable to post. After a couple more "run ins" this book was born.

Thousands of others have also been wrongly accused and punished. Karatas collected stories which include those with the most outlandish and bizarre reasons they were locked up and punished. The funny stories may cause you to bust a gut (not literally, that reference would flag the algorithm). For example, "Bombing the basement for a flea infestation" was considered to be violent by the "Community Standards" bots. But there's a darker side to this phenomenon. Many small and individual owned businesses make their living either directly through or by using social media, it can in fact bring the entire business to a standstill. For example, Kelly O'Brien, a legitimate Dolly Parton tribute act, has had her page shut down several times. There is no way to challenge the bot's random decisions, no humans available, and users are stuck with the decision, despite the real and serious consequences to their livelihoods.  As the author explores these stories, he hopes comedy in the face of serious and often detrimental acts by one of America's business giants can make a difference.

 

131 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 20, 2024

About the author

SUDI (“RICK”) KARATAS grew up in Syosset N.Y. and now resides in Van Nuys California. As a Gemini he goes by two names. HIs latest book released November 5th 2020 is How Catering Sukced The Life RIght Out Of Me. He’s also the author of Rainbow Relatives (Real World Stories & Advice On How To Talk To Kids About LGBTQ Families & Friends) and the writer and producer of the film Walk A Mile in My Pradas. He’s written many screenplays, songs and a letter to Dear Abby once.

Reviews

[Blake Allwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is filled with stories of the ridiculous. Mostly you'll find yourself laughing at the ridiculousness of the algorithms especially on Facebook. Rick's book also touches some important facts too. People who rely financially on FB often find themselves facing an impenetrable wall when FB's algorithms get it wrong. That ain't cool! Totally recommend this fun read. Especially if you're in the Facebook Pokey! It helps to know someone got one up on them for a change.

[Tom Kranz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Behind the curtain

I had no idea it was so easy to violate Facebook's so-called standards. Some might argue that their efforts to police hate speech and harmful behavior are admirable. If that's the mission, then don't take human beings out of it. Technology isn't a substitute for common sense and empathy. Thanks, Sudi, for this revealing exposé.