How Algorithms
Control What We
See Online
Oishi Guha Roy
11:11PM
How it
Model Example
How is info works
spread? Posts appear in the order
they were posted, newest
Early timelines on Twitter
Chronological Feed first. There is little or no
or simple forum feeds
algorithm deciding what
you see.
Social media feeds are built using different
systems for spreading information, not just You mainly see posts from
algorithms. Understanding these basic people you follow or are
Posts from friends on
systems helps explain how platforms decide Network-Based Feed connected to. The platform
Facebook
what content reaches users. prioritizes your social
network.
A computer program
studies your behaviour Recommended videos on
Algorithmic Feed (likes, watch time, clicks) YouTube or the “For You”
and predicts what content page on TikTok
you might enjoy.
enda • Agenda • Agenda • Agenda • Agenda • Agenda • Agenda • Agenda • Agenda • Agenda • Agenda • Agenda • Agenda • Agen
Topics Covered
A social media algorithm is a
Algorithm set of automated
Topic 1 Topicrules
2 and
AI-driven, machine-learning
systems that analyze user
behavior to rank, prioritize,
andTopicdeliver
3 Topic 4
personalized
content in feeds
How
Recommendation
Algorithms
Work
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n Header • Section Header • Section Header • Section Header • Section Header • Section Header • Section Header • Section H
↓
User watches video
↓
App records data (collection)
↓
Algorithm finds patterns (signals)
Recommends similar content
(prediction)
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n Header • Section Header • Section Header • Section Header • Section Header • Section Header • Section Header • Section H
Example.
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[Link] without a
watch history
[Link] for a topic
[Link] content
[Link] recommended
more content of a
similar kind
on the featured statistic • Elaborate on the featured statistic • Elaborate on the featured statistic • Elaborate on the featu
PROS & CONS
n the featured statistic • Elaborate on the featured statistic • Elaborate on the featured statistic • Elaborate on the featur
Pros Cons
Can create echo chambers
Shows content you are likely to
where you only see similar
enjoy based on your interests
opinions
Can be addictive because the
Helps users discover new
system keeps recommending
creators or topics
engaging content
Saves time because you don’t
The algorithm may control what
have to search for interesting
you see without you realising
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on the featured statistic • Elaborate on the featured statistic • Elaborate on the featured statistic • Elaborate on the featu
What is an echo chamber?
Because algorithms prioritize what they think
you want to see, they can sometimes create
"echo chambers" by showing you only content
that reinforces your existing interests or
beliefs
n the featured statistic • Elaborate on the featured statistic • Elaborate on the featured statistic • Elaborate on the featur
Conclusion.
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Topics Covered
Social media feeds are often shaped
by algorithms.
conclusion Algorithms use our activity to decide
whatTopic 1
content Topic 2
to show.
This can make feeds more
interesting but can also influence
what we see.
Topic 3
Understanding Topic 4 helps us use
this
social media more thoughtfully.
Thank you!