6 days ago
WATCH — Are algorithms good or bad? Kids and teens weigh in
Algorithms create things called echo chambers, say experts
If you've ever wondered why the content on your online feed seems like it was chosen specifically for you, you can thank an algorithm for that.
An algorithm is a set of instructions that tells a computer how to complete a task.
They are used for all kinds of purposes, but you're probably most familiar with the algorithms social media companies use to determine which content you see.
These algorithms are like personal shoppers — they'll pick out items on your behalf based on what you've liked or interacted with in the past.
They can make life much more convenient and save you a ton of time because you don't have to go looking for things yourself.
But several experts have said that's not entirely a good thing, and new mathematical modeling supports a growing belief that algorithms could be dividing us.
Algorithms may create 'echo chambers'
If the algorithm only shows you content that resembles posts you've liked or interacted with before, that means there's a lot of stuff it's not showing you.
That may include things that are outside of your comfort zone — like a new performer who you'd assume you wouldn't like, but could end up loving.
And it often includes new ideas or perspectives that you haven't considered before.
When it comes to politics, for example, experts say that algorithms are more likely to show us content that reaffirms our political views rather than things that could challenge our perspectives.
WATCH — How do social media algorithms work?
That creates an echo chamber — an environment where someone only hears beliefs similar to their own, meaning that they never consider alternative ideas.
In a recent paper, researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) used mathematical models to study how AI-powered algorithms on social media platforms might be operating.
The paper said that ''social media algorithms can leverage the data that they have about users in order to decide which information individuals see and who communicates with whom.'
Those algorithms are developed to maximize engagement, because the social media companies can sell more targeted ads to other companies if they have engaged users. And according to the paper, users are more likely to engage with content that is shared by people with the same views.
Check out the video below to find out if kids and teens think algorithms are bad.
Algorithms are designed to keep you scrolling
Along with creating echo chambers, some experts have raised concerns that algorithms could be making social media more addictive.
In our recent piece on doom scrolling, psychotherapist Benslyne Avril said that short-form content platforms like YouTube Shorts, TikTok and Instagram Reels are built to keep us on the platform for as long as possible.
She said algorithms tend to feed us content that makes us feel the happiest, the saddest or the angriest, because those are the videos we're most likely to watch until the very end.
'You want to stay informed, but then you fall into a cycle of seeing one upsetting story after another, and that can impact our mental health.'
If you find that your algorithm isn't making you feel good, experts say you can:
Retrain your algorithm to show you more positive content by swiping past doom-and-gloom and spending more time on feel-good posts.
Set limits for how long you can scroll each day through your social media app settings.
Practise creating physical boundaries with your phone by leaving it in another room while you sleep, watch TV or eat dinner with your family.
What do you think?
