Controlled
By Code
One click leads to another.
One choice shapes the next.
But is it really your choice?
Presented By
Tasfiqun Nas
Sec:B1(Lab GroupB1)
Roll:25201063
Course instructor:
Tanisha Basher Bidita Sarkar Diba
Sec: B (Lab GroupB1) Course Code:
Roll:25201064
CSE 102
Semester:
Shakil Mahmud Fall 2025
Sec:B (Lab Groupb1)
Roll:25201051
Table of Contents
1. The Hidden Puppeteer: How Algorithms Work
2. Digital Influence And Power Of Code
3. The Problem: Filter Bubble & Bias
4. Coding Ethics & Responsible Algorithms
5. A Global Shift: New Rules & Research
6. Taking Control: How To Bring Change
7. Conclusion
The Hidden Puppeteer: How
Algorithms Work
• Every click, scroll, and watch is tracked . Your actions
are converted into data , Algorithms learn your
behavior patterns.
Pattern
User action Data collection
recognition
Repeat Recommendation Prediction
Digital Influence – A
Growing Concern
• Screen time increased from ~1 hour to ~5
hours/day
• Short-form content drives constant
engagement
• Youth attention span decreasing (≈ 8 seconds)
• Productivity loss due to excessive scrolling
Long-term impact on focus and mental health
• Source : DataReportal - Global Digital Insights (2024). Retrieved from
[Link]
The Power of the Programmer
(The Invisible Architect)
• Logic Beyond Borders:
One algorithm can influence millions of
users .
• Code Snippet:
def prioritize_content(user_interest):
# The power to influence collective thinking
return fetch_viral_match(user_profile,
Code itself is neutral But its purpose defines the
outcome
The Black Box Society — Algorithmic
Power & Secrecy
• The “Black Box” Concept:
Users see results, not how they
are created
• Hidden Control:
Algorithm logic remains hidden
• Structural Secrecy:
Systems are complex and not
transparent Companies often
keep them secret
• Reference:
Frank Pasquale — The Black Box Society
The Filter Bubble &
Algorithmic Bias
• The Personal Prison:
A ―World of One‖ showing only
familiar beliefs
• Confirmation Bias:
Different opinions are filtered out
• Echo Chambers:
Repeated similar opinions limit
perspective
Your digital world becomes
l limited and controlled
Case Study - Facebook
Algorithm & Cambridge
Analytic (2018)
• Algorithmic Data Collection:
Facebook algorithms collect and
analyze user behavior (likes, clicks,
interactions)
• Psychological Profiling Algorithm:
Data is processed to generate
behavioral and personality-based
profiles
• Algorithmic Targeting System:
Ads are delivered using machine-
driven targeting models based on
user profiles
Coding Ethics &
Responsible Algorithms
• Transparency:
Explain how systems work
• Fairness:
Avoid bias in data and decision-making systems
• Accountability:
Developers must take responsibility for
algorithmic outcomes
• Privacy Protection:
User data must be collected and used ethically
• Technology should serve people, not exploit them
Ethical Algorithms in Action,
Improving Society
• Real-Time Algorithmic • Privacy-Aware Design:
Processing: Uses anonymized data to
Algorithms analyze live protect user identity
data to make • Example:
instant decisions Google Maps Traffic
Algorithm (Global)
• Smart Optimization:
Systems predict and
suggest efficient
solutions.
• Social Benefit:
Reduces time, fuel use, and
urban congestion
• GDPR (Europe):
Users have the “Right to Explanation” for automated
decisions
• Strict Laws:
New regulations allow fines for harmful algorithmic
impact
• EU Digital Services Act (DSA)
• UK Online Safety Act
• Accountability Pressure:
Tech companies must show how their systems work
• Source:
EU GDPR (Articles 13–15)
EU Digital Services Act (2022)
UK Online Safety Act (2023)
Research & Future - Building Better
Algorithms
• Algorithmic Auditing: • Future Vision:
Independent experts Future algorithms must
evaluate systems for be understandable and
bias and manipulation responsible
• Explainable AI (XAI): • Source:
Algorithms designed to IEEE Global Initiative on
explain their decisions Ethics of AI
• Transparent Systems: DARPA Explainable AI
Shift toward open, (XAI) Program
understandable, and OECD AI Principles
fair AI
Taking Control : User Awareness &
Behavior
• Digital Literacy: • Break the Loop:
Identify filter bubbles Reduce infinite scrolling
and dark patterns
• Conscious Usage:
• Control Settings: Use technology
Limit personalized consciously, not
tracking & autoplay passively
features
Taking Control — Ethical Algorithm
Design (Developer Role)
• Human-Centered Design:
Prioritize user well-being over engagement
• Educational Algorithms:
Promote learning-based recommendations instead of addictive
content
• Time-Aware Systems:
Detect overuse and suggest breaks or offline activity
• Content Responsibility:
Reduce harmful or low-quality content amplification
• Transparency:
Make algorithm decisions explainable and accountable
• Goal:
Transform algorithms from “attention traps” → “learning tools”
Source : IEEE Ethics in AI, Google Responsible AI Practices , UNESCO AI Ethics Guidelines
Conclusion - The Algorithm We
Design
The Core Truth:
Algorithms reflect developer decisions
The Choice:
Algorithms shape user behavior and thinking
The responsibility is in our hands
“Algorithms don’t decide the future - developers
do.”
THANK YOU