I already knew that algorithms affect what people see online. However, this article made me think more deeply about how much control they actually have. In Algorithmic Harms Beyond Facebook and Google, Zeynep Tufekci explains how algorithms can act as gatekeepers. They can decide what information people see and what information they hide.
What I found interesting is how hidden this process can be. People scroll through Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms without thinking about why certain types of posts appear on their feed. Most people probably assume they are just seeing what is popular or relevant, but algorithms are constantly making decisions in the background.
Another part that really bothered me is how algorithms can learn things about people that they never shared. Researchers were able to use Facebook likes to predict personal traits and other private information. For me, that is very unsettling because it shows that privacy is not only about what someone chooses to post.
People should be more aware of how much power algorithms have. They do not just recommend content. They can also influence what people see, the information they receive, and even how decisions are made about them. As algorithms become more involved in areas like hiring, politics, and everyday life, there needs to be more transparency about how these systems work.
After reading this article, I will be paying more attention to what pops up. on my feed instead of assuming that everything I see is random or completely in my control. I think the more people understand how algorithms work, the easier it may be to recognize when technology is influencing their choices.
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