you're correct that there's a similar process in real life as online. the issues are that online (a) these effects are more automated and distributed online than in real-life (Toyama nicely summarizes this as "technology as amplifier" [1]) and that (b) the methods of automation and distribution are (by design and intent) less visible online than in real-life.

People have little ability to change A, but could exert influence on companies to combat B if sufficient pressure were exerted...

[1] https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2015/06/why-te...