4 Ways that Algorithms Have an Impact on Your Social Media Experience

Have you ever wondered why browsing the Internet feels so convenient?  Especially on social media?  It’s because everything about the Internet today is driven by a technology known as algorithms. As soon as you get online, it’s almost as if everything on display is exactly what you want to see.  Even ads happen to show the perfect products you might need.  This is no coincidence. It’s an outcome of algorithms sorting and presenting information that’s relevant to your interests.

Algorithms Keep Everything Organized:

Business Writer Brittney Settlage explains that “algorithms play a large part in how search engines and their results work. What you probably don’t realize is just how many things you wouldn’t be able to do on the internet without algorithms. For example, without an algorithm, your email wouldn’t know where to go; your smartphone wouldn’t be able to function, and websites such as social media accounts would be overwhelmed with content.” Here are a few primary functions that illustrate how algorithms are used to manage social media sites:

1.    They Sort, Rank, and Distribute Uploaded/Displayed Data:

As soon as data is uploaded to the Internet, algorithms file it, categorize it, and reroute it to people/audiences who generate demand for it.  A good example of this is with suggested posts, or ‘for you’ pages on social media sites.

2.    They Analyze Comments and User Interactions:

User comments aren’t just uploaded at random on social media.  Algorithms actually sift through comments in real-time.  Algorithms filter comments for profanity hate speech, or language that violates established terms and conditions.

3.    They Measure and Catalogue Account-Holder Behavior:

Algorithms are also responsible for tracking how users navigate social media sites.  For example, algorithms measure how long users are logged into sites, what pages users visit, or the exact time users spend scrolling and pausing from scrolling.

4.    They Detect and Suppress Automated Spam:

Algorithms help to minimize the impact of bots and spam on social media.  While measuring account-holder behavior (as previously described). Algorithms can distinguish between the behavior of a real-life person and automated bots.  As soon as bots are detected, their activities are flagged and restricted.

Conclusion:

Much like any form of technology, algorithms have their advantages and disadvantages.  Understanding how they work is the first step toward benefiting from their advantages.  Algorithms might be designed to moderate the user experience, but, individuals can also use the Internet in a way that influences feedback from algorithms. If you like what you just read from our blog, you’ll love the various informative courses, workshops, and events listed on our websites and social media. Whether you’re interested in personal development, health and wellness, bettering your relationships, or the overall improvement of your business, give us a call at 1 (800) 913-0222 to find out how Richard Martinez can help you break past your daily struggles and start soaring in success.