How Social Media Algorithm Works (With CHIARA ZAMBRANO)

Summary

In this video, Chiara Zambrano explores the concept of algorithms on social media, explaining how they personalize content based on user behavior, search history, and personal information. She discusses the phenomenon of 'filter bubbles,' where algorithms limit exposure to diverse perspectives, potentially leading to misinformation. To break free from these bubbles, Chiara suggests being cautious with cookies, using VPNs, maintaining an open mind, and fact-checking information. The video is part of the Media and Information Literacy Project of UP Diliman.

Takeaways

• 🤔 Social media algorithms curate content based on user behavior, making it seem like they can read your mind.
• 🔍 Algorithms use search history, personal information, online shopping habits, and platform usage to personalize content.
• 🎧 Like a DJ, algorithms 'listen' to your preferences and select content accordingly.
• 👀 Your online actions are monitored to inform the algorithm about your interests.
• 📊 Personal details provided during app sign-ups and privacy settings contribute to the algorithm's understanding of you.
• 🛍️ Online shopping patterns are analyzed to predict and display ads and content that match your preferences.
• 🌐 The platforms you use and how you engage with them influence the type of content the algorithm shows you.
• 🌪️ Algorithms can create 'filter bubbles' where you only see content that aligns with your existing beliefs.
• 🗳️ Filter bubbles can lead to a limited worldview, affecting how you perceive events like elections and beauty pageants.
• 🚫 To avoid filter bubbles, be cautious with cookies, use a VPN, maintain an open mind, and practice fact-checking.

Q & A

What is an algorithm in the context of social media?

An algorithm is a computer program used by websites and applications to filter or sort the content visible to users, ensuring that the posts you see align with your interests.

How does an algorithm personalize your social media feed?

An algorithm personalizes your feed by monitoring your online behavior, such as search history, the details you provide when signing up for applications, your online shopping habits, and the platforms you use.

Why do social media algorithms use our search history?

Social media algorithms use your search history to display posts and content related to what you've searched for, aiming to show you information that aligns with your interests.

What role do the details we provide during app sign-ups play in algorithmic content selection?

The details like age, address, and gender that you provide during app sign-ups, along with your privacy settings, grant applications permission to collect and utilize your personal information to tailor content.

How can online shopping habits influence the content shown to us on social media?

Online shopping habits can be used by applications to understand your preferences, leading to targeted ads and content related to the items you frequently buy or show interest in.

What is a 'filter bubble' and how does it affect our social media experience?

A 'filter bubble' is a result of algorithms filtering what we see on social media based on our interests and behaviors, potentially limiting our exposure to diverse perspectives and information.

How can being in a filter bubble influence our beliefs and opinions?

Being in a filter bubble can lead to a confirmation bias, where we are only exposed to information that aligns with our existing beliefs, potentially leading to a distorted view of reality.

What are some ways to avoid getting trapped in a filter bubble?

To avoid a filter bubble, one can be mindful of accepting cookies, use a VPN to access diverse content, maintain an open mind to different viewpoints, and practice fact-checking.

Why is it important to be cautious about accepting cookies on websites?

Accepting cookies can allow websites to track your online activities, which can be used to influence algorithms and show you targeted ads, potentially contributing to a filter bubble.

How can using a VPN help in breaking free from a filter bubble?

Using a VPN can prevent websites from profiling your browsing habits and allow you to access region-specific content, thus exposing you to a wider range of perspectives and information.

What is the significance of fact-checking in the context of social media algorithms?

Fact-checking is crucial to avoid the spread of misinformation within filter bubbles. It encourages users to question the legitimacy of content and seek out accurate information.

Outlines

00:00

🔍 Understanding Algorithms in Social Media

This paragraph introduces the concept of algorithms in social media and how they personalize user feeds. Chiara Zambrano explains that algorithms are computer programs that filter and sort content based on user interests. They work like a DJ, playing songs that align with your preferences. The paragraph discusses how apps gather information from users' search history, personal details, online shopping habits, and platform usage to tailor content. It also touches on how algorithms can shape beliefs, using the example of social media bias towards a local Miss Universe candidate, which can create a skewed perception of popularity.

05:06

🌐 Breaking Free from the Filter Bubble

The second paragraph delves into the concept of 'filter bubbles,' which are the result of algorithms showing users only content that aligns with their interests and beliefs. It explains how this can limit exposure to diverse perspectives and contribute to the spread of misinformation. The paragraph offers tips to avoid getting trapped in a filter bubble: being cautious with cookie acceptance to prevent tracking, using a VPN to access diverse content, maintaining an open mind to different viewpoints, and fact-checking information to avoid misinformation. It emphasizes the importance of being aware of filter bubbles and the need for critical consumption of online content.

10:09

📢 Media and Information Literacy Project

The final paragraph is a brief closing statement by Chiara Zambrano, identifying herself as a representative of the Media and Information Literacy Project of UP Diliman. This paragraph serves as a sign-off, acknowledging the source of the information provided in the video script.

Keywords

💡Algorithm

An algorithm is a set of rules or a process used by computers to perform calculations or solve problems. In the context of the video, algorithms are used by social media platforms to filter and sort content, ensuring that users see posts, photos, and videos that align with their interests. The video explains how these algorithms work quietly in the background to personalize a user's feed, making it seem like the app knows what the user likes.

💡Recommended Videos

Recommended videos are content suggested by social media algorithms based on a user's online behavior and preferences. The video script discusses how these recommendations can lead to a homogenized feed, where users are only shown content similar to what they have previously engaged with, such as dance videos on TikTok.

💡Search History

Search history refers to the record of all the queries a user has made on the internet. The video explains that this data is used by algorithms to tailor content, as searching for a particular topic can lead to more related content appearing in the user's social media feed.

💡Personal Information

Personal information includes details such as age, address, and gender that users provide when signing up for applications. The video highlights how this data can be used by algorithms to better understand user preferences and to show more personalized content.

💡Privacy Settings

Privacy settings are the options users can adjust to control their data sharing and collection preferences. The video script mentions that adjusting these settings can affect what information apps can collect and use to personalize content, emphasizing the importance of being aware of these settings.

💡Online Shopping Habits

Online shopping habits refer to the patterns of items a user adds to their cart or purchases online. The video explains how these habits can be tracked and used by algorithms to show ads and content related to those items, creating a personalized shopping experience.

💡Filter Bubble

A filter bubble is a term used to describe the personalization of online content based on a user's previous behavior, which can lead to a limited and biased view of information. The video discusses how this phenomenon can restrict users to a narrow set of viewpoints, preventing them from encountering diverse perspectives.

💡Misinformation

Misinformation refers to false information that is spread, often unintentionally. The video script warns about the ease with which misinformation can spread within a filter bubble, as users may not be exposed to contradicting facts or perspectives.

💡Fact-checking

Fact-checking is the process of verifying the accuracy of information. The video encourages viewers to fact-check the content they see online to avoid falling for misinformation, suggesting subscribing to fact-checking initiatives for reliable verification.

💡Open Mind

Having an open mind means being receptive to new ideas and different perspectives. The video emphasizes the importance of maintaining an open mind to avoid being trapped in a filter bubble and to ensure a well-rounded understanding of various topics.

💡Cookies

Cookies are small data files that websites use to track user behavior and preferences. The video explains that third-party cookies can be used to influence algorithms by collecting data on users' online activities, which can then be used for targeted advertising.

💡VPN

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a service that allows users to mask their IP addresses and encrypt their online activities. The video suggests using a VPN to prevent websites from profiling users' browsing habits, which can help users access a wider range of content and perspectives.

Highlights

Social media algorithms select content based on user behavior and preferences.

Algorithms personalize feeds by monitoring user activity online.

Search history is a key factor influencing the content shown to users.

Personal information provided during app sign-ups contributes to algorithmic content curation.

Online shopping habits are used to predict and display user preferences.

The platforms and frequency of app usage affect the algorithm's content selection.

Algorithms can shape beliefs by creating 'filter bubbles' that limit diverse content.

Filter bubbles can lead to a narrow worldview and reinforce existing biases.

Misinformation can spread within filter bubbles due to lack of diverse viewpoints.

Avoiding filter bubbles involves being cautious with cookie acceptance.

Using a VPN can help break free from algorithmic profiling and filter bubbles.

Maintaining an open mind and seeking diverse perspectives can prevent filter bubble entrapment.

Fact-checking is essential to avoid misinformation within filter bubbles.

Being aware of filter bubbles is crucial for making informed decisions in an information-rich era.

The importance of using words wisely and verifying information before posting is emphasized.

Transcripts

When you use various social media apps, don't you wonder how contents in your recommended videos are chosen?

Have you ever experienced scrolling through social media and noticing that the contents in your feed are almost the same?

Like when you're just watching dance videos on TikTok, and then suddenly, that's all your FYP is filled with!

Or maybe you're one of those who got intrigued and searched about the breakup of Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla?

Then suddenly, you noticed that your feed was flooded with posts and videos about them.

Sometimes, you just search for trendy shoes, and suddenly, all you see are ads about them!

It makes you think: "Can social media read my mind?"

"Is that what everyone else online is thinking too?"

Well, not really

But applications can read and use what you do on your gadget to select the content to show you through what's called an "algorithm."

Hi! I am Chiara Zambrano.

In this video, we'll discuss what an algorithm is and how it works.

An algorithm is a computer calculating program used by websites and applications to filter or sort the content visible to users like us.

Through algorithms, the internet and social media apps ensure that the posts you see contain only information, photos, and videos that align with your interests.

When compared to radio, an algorithm is like a DJ who listens to your requests and plays your favorite songs.

The algorithm on social media works similarly – even though you can't see it, it quietly selects content to personalize your feed.

But how do the apps know what you like and don't like to see?

Well, this information also comes from us. Everything we do on the internet is monitored.

How?

According to an article by the British Broadcasting Corporation or BBC, this is because of the following factors.

First, our search history—what things we search for on the internet affects the algorithm.

For instance, suppose you search the internet for information about your favorite singer.

Social media apps might utilize your search history to display posts and songs by that artist.

Second, the details we provide every time we sign up for applications, such as age, address, and gender.

This also includes our privacy settings. When you click on these settings, it's like you have granted applications permission to collect and utilize your personal information.

Third, online shopping habits—the internet also looks at the things we often buy online.

Do you often add gadgets, clothes, or food to your cart? Even that can be used by applications to know what your preferences are.

Fourth, platforms—what applications do you use? And how do you use them?

For instance, if you frequently share recipes on Facebook or regularly indulge in watching mukbang videos on YouTube,

this behavior can significantly influence the algorithm. As a result, you're more likely to encounter food and cooking-related content across other apps.

But do you know that aside from videos, algorithms can also influence our beliefs?

If you don’t believe me, here’s a simple example.

Are you one of those who expected our bet Michelle Dee to break into the Top 5 of Miss Universe 2023?

Because we are Filipino, and most of our friends support our bet in Miss U, almost everything we see in our social media feeds is about Michelle.

Many posts and news articles are praising her. That's why it's easy to assume that our candidate is a crowd favorite and front-runner.

But in the end, Michelle Dee only made it to the Top 10. And Miss Nicaragua won Miss Universe even though she hardly appeared on our news feed.

Before you rant that it's a “cooking show,” think first – maybe your beliefs are just being influenced by the algorithm.

This is what happens when we are too confined within what is called a “filter bubble.”

The filter bubble is the result of the algorithm filtering what we see on our social media accounts.

The channels and accounts we follow, our friends who share similar interests and beliefs, the posts we like and share online...

all of these influence what we see while scrolling through social media all day.

So, if you're one of those who kept liking and sharing posts about Michelle Dee back then, you might have been trapped in a filter bubble,

preventing you from seeing information about other candidates.

If we're trapped in a filter bubble, our online world shrinks, and the opinions and perspectives we hear become limited.

Just like during elections. When our feed is filled with content about a single politician, we are inclined to believe solely in that perspective.

We close ourselves off to other candidates. However, when we cast our votes, it's essential to consider the platforms of different candidates.

Misinformation or “fake news” can also spread more easily within a filter bubble.

If all the accounts you like and follow align with a piece of false information, you are more likely to believe it right away,

especially when you are not exposed to other opinions and perspectives.

So how can we avoid getting trapped in a filter bubble?

Cookies are delicious as a dessert, but when it comes to cookies on the internet, that's a different story.

Tip number 1: Do not accept all cookies!

According to Kaspersky, a cybersecurity company, cookies are data on the internet capable of tracking everything you do online.

The information collected by third-party cookies is used by websites to influence the algorithm.

This is why you may encounter targeted ads from online shopping apps on social media platforms, all thanks to cookies.

So when a website asks you to 'Accept all cookies' – clicking on it is like giving the website permission to use your information.

Tip number 2: VPN

We can also use a VPN, or Virtual Private Network, to prevent various websites from profiling our browsing and consuming activities.

This way, we can also expose ourselves to different perspectives since we can access region-specific content.

Tip number 3: Maintain an Open Mind

Have you ever noticed that after reading a post about a specific issue, the subsequent articles and posts you come across tend to echo the same viewpoint?

This tendency might lead us to overlook dissenting voices, trapping us within our own beliefs.

Stay open-minded. Seek out diverse perspectives and be receptive to different viewpoints.

Tip number 4: Fact check!

Remember those earlier videos about fact-checking on this YouTube channel?

Let’s make it a habit to question the legitimacy and accuracy of what appears on our feed.

Let's not readily believe everything we read.

Subscribe to fact-checking initiatives such as Tsek.PH, Vera Files, and FactRakers to help you steer clear of misinformation or fake news.

In an era flooded with online content, sometimes we might think, “social media is too noisy or toxic,”

and we choose to confine ourselves within our filter bubbles.

Hence, opinions, news, and knowledge that diverge from our own perspectives no longer surface in our feeds, leaving us unaware of their existence.

It's dangerous to be trapped in our 'filter bubbles.' So, before you completely drown in them, it's crucial to understand what they are and how to break free from them.

Always remember, our words are powerful; let's use them wisely.

Before we post anything, make sure it's accurate and truthful.

I am Chiara Zambrano for the Media and Information Literacy Project of UP Diliman.