> An alternate explanation is that the algorithm tries to promote engagement and user retention. Presumably, people susceptible to radicalization engage with the content discussed in the article. It would be unreasonable to expect Facebook to not act in its own self-interest.

That's the whole point. Oh they're just trying to make a buck like everyone else is exactly the problem.

They are a running a paperclip maximizer that turns passive consumers of misinformation into "engaged" radicals and the system that is Facebook has no incentive to correct this.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Instrumental_convergence