Explained: Online Algorithms
Algorithms play a big role in shaping what we see, do, and experience online. They decide which posts, videos, and ads appear on our feeds, influencing how we spend our time and even how we think. This guide helps parents understand how algorithms work, their impact on children and young people, and offers practical tips to support them.
What are algorithms?
Algorithms are sets of rules or instructions used by online platforms to process and organise information. On platforms like social media, search engines, and streaming services, algorithms decide what content is shown to users based on their preferences, behaviour, and interactions. For example:
- Social Media: Algorithms show posts, videos, and ads based on a user’s previous likes, comments, shares, views, etc.
- Search Engines: They consider factors such as keywords, relevance, and user engagement to deliver results.
- Streaming Platforms: Algorithms suggest shows, videos or music similar to what a user has already watched or listened to.
How do algorithm’s influence your child’s online experience?
- Personalised Content: Algorithms create a tailored experience, showing your child content they’re likely to engage with. This can be helpful but may also limit their exposure to diverse perspectives (sometimes called a “filter bubble”).
- Endless Recommendations: Algorithms often encourage users to stay on a platform for longer. This can impact how much time your child spends online.
- Trending Content: Algorithms prioritise content that gets a lot of attention, meaning your child might see viral posts that are not always appropriate or accurate.
The Pros and Cons of Algorithms
Benefits:
- Find What You Like: Can help you find things you’re interested in faster.
- Discover New Interests: Can suggest new hobbies, music or ideas you might enjoy.
- See Reliable Sources: Boost posts from trusted accounts if you follow them.
Challenges:
- Amplify False Information: Algorithms prioritise content that generates high engagement, such as likes and views, even if the information is misleading or false.
- Create Filter Bubbles: Algorithms often show content similar to what you’ve interacted with before, limiting exposure to diverse viewpoints and perspectives.
- Time Trap: Algorithms are designed to keep you on platforms longer by using features like auto-play and recommending content tailored to your interests, making it hard to log off.
- Personal Information: Algorithms track your online activity—likes, searches, views, clicks, and shares—to create a detailed profile about you, influencing the content you see.
How to Talk to Your Child About Algorithms
- Explain What Algorithms Are: Describe how platforms use their activity to show them specific content. For example, “The app suggests videos based on what you’ve liked or watched before.”
- Discuss Why They See Certain Content: Ask them if they’ve noticed how similar content keeps popping up on their feed and explain that this is intentional. Encourage curiosity about why certain content or posts are shown to them.
- Encourage Critical Thinking: Remind your child that not everything they see online is accurate or unbiased. Encourage them to ask, “Why am I seeing this?” or “Who benefits from this content?”
- Promote Diverse Content: Suggest exploring new topics, perspectives, and creators to break out of repetitive recommendations.
Questions to Ask Your Child
- Have you noticed certain types of content appearing more often? Why do you think that happens?
- Do you think all the content you see online is true or unbiased? Why or why not?
- How does the content you see online make you feel about yourself or the world?
- Are there new things you’d like to learn about or explore online?
Practical Tips for Navigating Algorithms
- Search for accounts with positive and enjoyable content: Curate your feed with content that uplifts, inspires, and makes you feel good.
- Always register with the correct age: Providing accurate information helps ensure you see content appropriate for your age.
- Unfollow or mute accounts that you don’t like: Take control of your feed by removing content that doesn’t align with your interests or values.
- Report and block content: Protect yourself and others by flagging harmful or inappropriate material.
- Follow a range of accounts with different perspectives: Encourage them to follow accounts or explore topics that broaden their perspectives.
- Reset the algorithm: Clear your browsing or watch history to refresh the content suggestions you receive. Some platforms also provide users with the option to de-personalise their newsfeeds.
- Take a step back: Algorithms are designed to keep users engaged, so setting healthy boundaries is important. Balance screen time with offline activities to maintain well-being.
- Remember you have rights: Know that you have a right to privacy, safety, and respect online. there are now more rules to help protect children online. Under Ireland’s Online Safety Framework there are regulations for online platforms that requires them to make changes to their services so that children are better protected online and are less likely to see harmful or illegal content.
Remember:
Algorithms are a powerful part of the digital world, and it important that children and young people are equipped with the critical thinking skills to be able to navigate them safely and responsibly. By encouraging critical thinking, and maintaining open communication, you can help your child make the most of their online experiences while avoiding the potential challenges.
