{"id":81,"date":"2026-05-01T02:15:23","date_gmt":"2026-05-01T02:15:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/?p=81"},"modified":"2026-05-01T02:35:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-01T02:35:00","slug":"your-feed-is-not-neutral-how-algorithms-bots-and-ai-can-mislead-military-service-members-online","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/?p=81","title":{"rendered":"Your Feed Is Not Neutral: How Algorithms, Bots, and AI Can Mislead Military Service Members Online"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>If you\u2019re a Seabee or any military service member for that matter, this isn\u2019t just another OPSEC blog post. This is about protecting yourself, your family, your shipmates, and the mission in an environment where most of us interact with social media in our daily routines, but rarely stop to think about &#8211; our digital feed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The reality is simple shipmates: most online platforms are not designed to prioritize truth. Instead, they reward speed, emotion, repetition, and engagement. This means the content you see often in your X account, TikTok, Instagram, or whatever social media platform you choose to use is not concerned about accuracy; it\u2019s about your engagement and reaction. Remember, everyone who\u2019s online isn\u2019t your friend! And in a community like ours, which is built on trust, rapid communication, and shared information, that can create real risk. What makes us effective in the field, underway, or at home can make us <em>all<\/em> vulnerable online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This blog breaks things down in plain, no-nonsense terms. It focuses on three key forces shaping what you see: algorithms that push emotionally charged content, bot networks that create the illusion of popularity, and AI-generated media that can look real enough to fool anyone at a quick glance. The goal here isn\u2019t to scare you or bash technology. It\u2019s to give you a simple, practical framework so you can slow down, verify, and make informed decisions before you like, share, or act. Because in our line of work, bad information isn\u2019t just annoying\u2026 like being 30 minutes early for muster\u2026 it has a real impact on trust, our readiness, and even ourselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-x-large-font-size\"><strong>Hey Seabee!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-x-large-font-size\">These <strong>3 Things Could be Shaping Your Feed<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Algorithms<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-82\" srcset=\"https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Algorithms push what gets reactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not what\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So if something:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>makes you mad<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>scares you<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>hits your gut<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2026it\u2019s more likely to show up again and again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"border-width:4px\">That\u2019s how <strong>false <\/strong>info starts to feel<strong> <em>real<\/em>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. Bots &amp; Fake Amplification<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-83\" srcset=\"https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Not every \u201cpopular\u201d post is actually popular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bots and coordinated accounts can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-large-font-size\"><strong>Like<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-large-font-size\"><strong>Share<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-large-font-size\"><strong>Comment<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2026to make something look legit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Repetition and perceived popularity<\/strong> are key drivers of misinformation going viral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"border-width:5px\">Translation:<br>If it looks like everyone\u2019s talking about it\u2026 You\u2019re more likely to believe it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. AI-Generated Content<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1536\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/3-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-84\" srcset=\"https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/3-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/3-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/3-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/3.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the new frontier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>AI can now create:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fake military images<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fake videos<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fake statements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fake \u201cnews clips\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>And they look <em>real enough<\/em> at a glance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"border-width:5px\">This is media manipulation, it isn\u2019t just editing photos and video anymore\u2026 It\u2019s <strong>full-on creation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Real Example Breakdown<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s say you see this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-x-large-font-size\">\u201cBREAKING: New overseas deployment confirmed\u2014share ASAP\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-85\" srcset=\"https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Looks official right? Has a military-looking profile, tons of shares, ships underway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But look closer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u274c No official source<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u274c Vague wording<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u274c Emotional urgency (\u201cshare ASAP\u201d)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u274c Profile created recently<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s straight out of the <strong>media manipulation. <\/strong>Content is designed to trigger reactions first, verification later (if ever).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our adversaries use this tactic to validate personnel and asset movement, including troop deployments!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"border-width:5px\">Don\u2019t fall for that ole trick, <strong><em>\u201cloose lips sink ships!\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Remember OPSEC!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What Can you do About IT? (Your Simple Framework<\/strong>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/5-683x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86\" srcset=\"https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/5-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/5-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/5-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/5.png 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You don\u2019t need to be a cyber expert\u2014you just need to slow down and validate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"border-width:5px\"><strong>If it doesn\u2019t seem right, report it to your Security Officer ASAP!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bottom Line Up Front<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your feed is not neutral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s shaped by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Algorithms chasing engagement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bots faking popularity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>AI creating believable content<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Adversaries looking for Intel<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your interest and content you engage with<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>None of that is going away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So the responsibility for OPSEC shifts to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not to panic. You don\u2019t have to distrust everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"border-width:5px\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-accent-2-color has-contrast-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-4ea70e46bb3bebfc695b1d3e1a8a409f\"><strong>Slow down<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-accent-2-color has-contrast-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-0491f7197ec3de4fae7231da563f76cd\"><strong>Verify<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-accent-2-color has-contrast-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-12369a7bfd3e0e7c3a8ac36a558c8c5d\"><strong>Stay sharp<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-accent-2-color has-contrast-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-df8eda3bbe4fa9fa095e5e85826209b5\"><strong>Report &nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\ud83d\udd1a Final Thought<\/strong>s<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In uniform, we are trained to question, verify, and act with intent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That shouldn\u2019t stop when we pick up our phones, post, or share.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"border-width:5px\"><strong>Stay skeptical, stay informed\u2026 and don\u2019t let the feed do your thinking for you.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/6-683x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-87\" srcset=\"https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/6-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/6-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/6-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/6.png 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Want to know more &#8211; Try these links below<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ide.mit.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/publications\/Pennycook%20et%20al%20-%20Shifting%20attention%20to%20accuracy.pdf\">Pennycook, Gordon et al. \u2013 <em>Why people share misinformation (attention vs accuracy)<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cip.uw.edu\/2024\/10\/31\/misinformation-why-people-spread-rumors\/\">Starbird, Kate et al. \u2013 <em>Misinformation is more than just bad facts: How and why people spread rumors is key to understanding how false information travels and takes root<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/datajournalism.com\/read\/handbook\/verification-3\/investigating-disinformation-and-media-manipulation\/the-lifecycle-of-media-manipulation\">Donovan, Joan \u2013 <em>The Lifecycle of Media Manipulation<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts\/2022\/11\/imposter-scams-targeting-veterans-servicemembers\">Federal Trade Commission \u2013 <em>Imposter scams targeting veterans and servicemembers<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.war.gov\/News\/News-Stories\/Article\/article\/1921988\/these-social-media-scams-affect-the-military\/\">U.S. Department of Defense \u2013 <em>These Social Media Scams Affect the Military<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rand.org\/research\/projects\/truth-decay\/fighting-disinformation.html\">RAND \u2013<em>Fighting Disinformation Online (Tools)<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re a Seabee or any military service member for that matter, this isn\u2019t just another OPSEC blog post. This is about protecting yourself, your family, your shipmates, and the mission in an environment where most of us interact with social media in our daily routines, but rarely stop to think about &#8211; our digital [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-81","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/81","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=81"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/81\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":91,"href":"https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/81\/revisions\/91"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=81"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=81"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/franktheseabee.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=81"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}