Social Media Algorithms

Social Media Algorithms

How social media can influence you and keep you glued to your screen.

Index

Introduction

Why they're so addictive

TikTok's engine

Relevant data

Conclusion

Introduction

Social media algorithms are engineered to maximise engagement which results in displaying more ads to its users and getting higher profits from its advertisers. However, this can lead to a handful of moral and ethical issues due to its addictive nature.

Why they're so addictive

Pew Research has reported that 76% of people ages 18-29 use their phone in public

People worldwide spend about 6 hours and 40 minutes on screens every day.

Scrolling video platforms such as TikTok or Instagram Reels have curated and created incredibly sofisticated algorithms to cater and deliver very personal content to their users. Some would say that your "For You" page is a reflection of your personality.

It is believed that the 2024 US elections are affected by these platforms and algorithms.

Young people are more susceptible to these claims.

TikTok's search engine can deliver misinformation and false claims regarding important topics such as wars, school shootings or the Covid-19 vaccines. A study conducted that 19.4% of shared information contained false or misleading claims.

Data

60%

of young (18-29) people in the US say they feel lonely.

The study conducted that those who use social media over 2 hours a day are likely to experience higher levels of depression.

87%

of people experience "FOMO"

FOMO or Fear Of Missing Out, is a phenomenon that often occurs by seeing others posts in social media.

40%

of teens say that they can't disconnect from social media.

This can exarcerbate feelings of loneliness and social anxiety.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while social media has the potential to connect people, it often exacerbates loneliness, especially among young people. Excessive use can lead to shallow interactions, FOMO, and reliance on external validation, all of which contribute to feelings of isolation.

'Technology is nothing. What’s important is that you have a faith in people, that they’re basically good and smart, and if you give them tools, they’ll do wonderful things with them.” — Steve Jobs

Sources

Written:

• https://www.fastcompany.com/90943919/the-science-behind-why-social-media-algorithms-warp-our-view-of-the-world
• https://www.demandsage.com/screen-time-statistics/
• https://edition.cnn.com/2022/09/18/business/tiktok-search-engine-misinformation/index.html

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVWC2eGVhoY