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Understanding Social Media Algorithms

Social media algorithms determine the visibility of posts based on user engagement, such as likes and comments, often promoting harmful content to maintain user interaction. The algorithms create a cycle where increased engagement leads to more similar content being shown. Users' actions influence what they see, despite not having control over the underlying formula.

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Michalina Wojgienica
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4 views15 pages

Understanding Social Media Algorithms

Social media algorithms determine the visibility of posts based on user engagement, such as likes and comments, often promoting harmful content to maintain user interaction. The algorithms create a cycle where increased engagement leads to more similar content being shown. Users' actions influence what they see, despite not having control over the underlying formula.

Uploaded by

Michalina Wojgienica
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

THE SECRET OF

algorithms on social media


DISCUSSION

What content do you see most,


and why do you think the
algorithm shows you that
specific content?
DISCUSSION

Do you notice different content on multiple


accounts on the same platform?
DISCUSSION

What should the role of a


social media site or app be?
DISCUSSION

How do platforms use design


(notifications, video length) to
command your attention?
DISCUSSION

What emotions or reactions do you


often experience on social media,
and do creators intentionally design
for them?
DISCUSSION

Do tech companies have


responsibility for the content their
algorithms promote, especially
extreme or harmful content?
DISCUSSION

What specific actions (likes, shares,


comments) do you take on platforms, and
how do you think algorithms use these
signals?
DISCUSSION

Do you notice different content on multiple


accounts on the same platform?
DISCUSSION

How can content creators use


algorithms to their advantage?
DISCUSSION

Did you know that social media


companies keep track of how
long you view or interact with a
post?
DISCUSSION

Do you think there needs to be more


regulation on social media? Why? Why
not?
READING
Social media platforms use algorithms to determine which posts appear in our
feeds. Although companies sometimes show a complex formula, it is often
hard to decipher, and they don’t always explain how it works. According to
leaked documents, posts are ranked based on how likely users are to engage
with them by liking, commenting, or sharing.

Some content is allegedly harmful, yet platforms seem willing to promote it if it


keeps users engaged. Even negative reactions, such as angry comments, don’t
bother the algorithm—in fact, they can increase a post’s visibility. Engineers
assign different values to each type of interaction, and these values influence
what users see next.

This creates a vicious cycle: the more we interact with certain content, the more
similar content appears in our feed. While users cannot control the formula
itself, their actions still shape what the algorithm shows them over time.
LISTENING

Watch the video


[Link]

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