Is it possible to develop social media platforms that encourage productive political discourse? Social media are often linked to polarisation, but Petter Törnberg explores how these platforms can have a positive impact on society. He develops artificial social media platforms in which thousands of interactive chatbots communicate with one another, allowing researchers to test how different platform designs influence political discussions. His research is helping to identify algorithms that contribute to positive social outcomes, rather than exacerbate polarisation and radicalisation.