What are Algorithms

Algorithms are step-by-step instructions that computers follow to complete tasks, solve problems, and make automated decisions. They use data to make predictions about people, including their preferences, attributes, and behaviors. Algorithms power nearly everything we see online, including search engines, social media, video games, online dating, and smartphone apps. They are used to shape and filter content on the platforms many of us interact with daily, such as Google, YouTube, Instagram, Netflix, Facebook, Amazon, Twitter, and Spotify. For example, algorithms determine which websites you see first in your Google search results, which posts you see on Facebook, and which videos YouTube “recommends” and autoplays for you.

Data & Algorithms

The following TED Talk [9:44] with computer scientist Jennifer Golbeck provides a clear explanation of how data is collected on social media sites, and how this can be used to create algorithms that predict attributes like political affiliation, intelligence, sexual orientation, relationship strength, and even drug/alcohol usage.

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Questions to consider while reading:

• How do algorithms and “engagement” on digital platforms influence the way that we perceive information, and each other?

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Head, Alison J., Barbara Fister, and Margy MacMillan. “Information Literacy in the Age of Algorithms Links to an external site..” Project Information Literacy, 15 Jan. 2020. Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Links to an external site.

Image: “Shell Sorting Algorithm Color Bars” Links to an external site. by Balu Ertl Links to an external site. is licensed under CC BY 4.0 Links to an external site.

“Your Social Media ‘Likes” Expose More Than You Think: Jennifer Golbeck Links to an external site.” by TED Links to an external site. is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Links to an external site.