Social media algorithms are always changing. The algorithm controls what you see, from posts of funny cats to the types of ads you come across. Algorithms have a set of mathematical rules that it is set to follow when brought to life. All social media algorithms are based on the user’s reactions. If you like, comment, or share a post, the algorithm will take that as a positive and try to show similar posts. If you react negatively to a post, such as by disliking, reporting, or blocking a post, the algorithm will try to refrain from showing you similar posts.
Every algorithm is similar, but many people don’t know how they work. It’s not common knowledge. The algorithm is a loose term that people use. A set of numbers shows everything you want to see.
Senior Cadence Gerke talks about what she knows when it comes to the topic.
“Basically, what I know is the algorithm spoon-feeds you what you want to see; it is very intentional to what you see,” Gerke said. “They watch every slight movement you make on social media.”
Gerke wants to feel less controlled on these apps, and doesn’t want to be watched for every movement she makes.
“It’s quite concerning and unsettling, it is very creepy how much information they have. They know what we look like, who we are friends with, and where we hang out,” Gerke said.
Senior Avery Divine talks about what she knows about social media algorithms.
“It creates an app and an environment where it shows what we want to see always,” Divine said.
People are always finding a way to make time for scrolling. Its become a daily part of society.
“It depends if I have school, but on the weekend, I spend around three to four hours on Instagram Reels,” Divine said.
For some people, the idea of algorithms is less scary. The algorithm can be useful tool for when you are scrolling through a social media app.
“It freaks me out a little, but I also think that it is kind of cool; we have a tool that can change what we see,” Divine said.
A pattern can sometimes be noticed when you are scrolling for a while. This is when the algorithm becomes more noticeable.
“It depends on the day. If it is on Sunday, I usually see a lot more church videos. During the week, I see more videos related to things going on in the world,” Divine said.
Senior Olivia Dobbins, in comparison, is relatively unbothered by the system of algorithms.
“The algorithm doesn’t really bother me, I mean it is how we see everything we want to see. If we didn’t have it we would spend a lot less time on these apps,” Dobbins said.
In the algorithm there is a noticeable pattern, some people may not pick up on it.
“That’s how we see the things we want to see, the videos are weird and funny which is the whole point you know,” Dobbins said.
