Social Media Algorithms
Social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok decide what we should watch. The system that works behind it is called an algorithm. This algorithm records our every click, like, comment,and video watched, and shows us the next content based on it.
According to me, the biggest concern is that this algorithm does not show us the right and useful content, instead, it shows us the most watched content and which gets a lot of reactions.
Engagement Over Quality
The algorithm promotes posts and videos that get the most likes and comments, and shares. Whether the information is true or false, if the people are reacting to it, then it will be shown to more people.
I feel that it pushes the truthful and educational content to the back burner. The content that screams the loudest is the one that gets the most views, even if it has no truth to it.
Echo Chamber and Filter Bubble
If you see the same opinion on a topic over and over again. So the algorithm shows you only that type of thing. Slowly, you get cut off from other thoughts. This is called an echo chamber.
According to me, it is very dangerous. This makes people think that only their thinking is right and everything else is wrong. This increases the hatred and disputes in society.
Rapid spread of false information
Shocking, emotional, and controversial news tends to go viral faster. The algorithms promote it more because people react to it more quickly.
I think this is why fake news, conspiracy theories, and false cures take over the internet. The truth doesn’t go viral as quickly because it’s not as “spicy”.
Impact on mental health (Social Media Algorithms)
By watching content on social media like luxury lifestyle, a perfect body, and beautiful faces, people start comparing themselves with them. This leads to a lack of confidence and increased stress.
Political Interference
During elections, the algorithm decides which political news will be shown to you. This is done based on your age, location, and behaviour.
This makes fair elections difficult. Every person is shown a different version of the truth. This makes it easier to spread political propaganda, fake news, and hatred.
Addiction in the design
The social media platform is designed like users won’t get away easily. Autoplay, scroll, and notifications are part of this.
It’s like a digital casino. You think you’ll just watch it for 5 minutes, but when the 2 hours pass, you won’t even realise. It affects your sleep, studies, and real-life interactions.
What is the solution?
I believe we should not leave social media. But we can use it wisely –
- Turn off autoplay and notifications
- Don’t click on clickbait and controversial content
- Follow people with different opinions
- Set time limits on social media
- Search, don’t just look at suggested things
- If any information looks wrong, then check it in detail on Google.
If you follow these small steps, you can stop the algorithm from taking over your mind.
My final Thoughts
In my opinion, we are not just social media users, we have become a product. Algorithms are silently deciding what we think, what we see, and what we believe.
I think it is time to consider algorithms as a responsible technology. It should be regulated, transparent, and accountable.
Until that happens, awareness is our only protection. If we understand how this system works, we can also decide what we want to see and what we don’t.
About the Author
Duncan Paul Glasgow is a UK-based blogger focused on raising awareness about scams, promoting social well-being, and sharing positive, thought-provoking messages.
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