How algorithms influence what you see on the Internet

 

 

I am Lilian H. Hill, moderator of Information Literacy online forum.

Have you ever wondered if your computer is spying on you? Let’s say you searched for a topic on your laptop, only to find advertisements for related products on your smart phone or tablet later in the day, even from organizations or companies you did not view. This phenomenon is based on algorithms used by programs that operate on the internet. 

You may vaguely remember the word algorithms from high school math class, and probably forgot all about them. So, to remind you, an algorithm is a series of instructions for problem solving used in mathematics. The reasons they are pertinent now is that the word also refers to instructions programmed into computers for solving such as what you see when you perform a search on the Internet. In other words, algorithms are the foundation of how computers work. Computer technology can perform algorithmic operations at a speed not possible for human beings. 

Ubiquity of Algorithms  

Algorithms are everywhere because many items in our lives have embedded computer chips: in our cars, household appliances, home entertainment and security systems, and even doorbells. We wear them on our wrists as smartwatches or carry them around on our smartphones. They are even in medical devices such as hearing aids, pacemakers, or wearable glucose monitors. They provide for our convenience, health monitoring, and even safety. 

Personalized Information 

Social media and search engines such as Google are structured to personalize information that you see. They track information about your preferences and interests by following what you search for, how long you view websites, and even purchases you make online. You are more likely to see information you are interested in, but the trade-off is that you sacrifice some privacy. You are also more likely to see information that you agree with, meaning that algorithms may be shaping your opinions and view of reality. They are responsible for promoting fake news, information that is inaccurate, one-sided, or biased. They may promote and perpetuate racist, sexist, and other prejudicial perspectives. 

Machine Learning 

With the advent of machine learning, algorithms have become more independent of human control. They are controlling many things. For example, as many as 65% of stock market trades are controlled by algorithms instead of thinking human beings. Depending on their programming, the values they operate on may be to maximize profit no matter the results in human lives. Algorithms are at the forefront of innovation, creativity, and technological advancement. 

Algorithms are imperfect and have limitations based on their programming. They draw from past data, even while they are influencing our decisions. Because they have penetrated many aspects of our lives, this is a good time to ask questions about the influence of algorithms on our daily lives.

References 

Algorithms are controlling everything in today’s digital world. Retrieved from https://futurside.com/algorithms-are-controlling-everything-in-todays-digital-world/ 

Reading Beyond the Headlines

 

It has been reported that people only read the headlines of news reports they encounter. While this can be a time-saving strategy, headlines do not provide enough information to understand the information provided. This episode focuses on reading beyond the headlines and exploring the reasons why people should read more of the news story. This is the first episode on Information Literacy category as part of the Adult Learning Exchange Virtual Community. Dr. Lilian H. Hill is the moderator of the online forum. Listen to the episode and join in the online forum.

 Listen to the Podcast

 

Information Literacy Episode 1 Transcript

References

Etzioni, R. (2020, February 13). Spinning science: Overhyped headlines, snarled statistics lead readers astray. Fred Hutch Cancer Center. Retrieved https://www.fredhutch.org/en/news/center-news/2020/02/spinning-science-overhyped-headlines-snarled-statistics-lead-readers-astray.html

Marquet, N. (2016, September 17). How to write a catchy headline in 1 Minute and 7 Seconds. Retrieved https://www.grammarly.com/blog/how-to-write-a-catchy-headline-in-1-minute-and-7-seconds/?gclid=Cj0KCQiApb2bBhDYARIsAChHC9vvWagplkp3jsuWN9LRfhSS0KBpEFBnbSeq2htwuyLBFlNhD3ovKjcaApnlEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Maybin, S. (2017). Busting the attention span myth. BBC World Service, More or Less. Retrieved https://www.bbc.com/news/health-38896790

Ways for Detecting False Information

 

There are different ways for detecting false information:

• Look for inconsistencies and contradictions in the text
• Identify whose agenda and interests are being served by the story
• Examine the source for what information is presented favorably or negatively and ask why
• Interpret information from multiple viewpoints
• Look at the emotional content of the language and decide if it is meant to make you happy, angry, sad, or outraged. Why?
• Examine whether the source is confusing on purpose
• Identify whether the visual images accompanying the story are real, taken out of context, photoshopped, or falsified in some other way

 

References

Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (2022, February). How to Identify Misinformation, Disinformation, and Malinformation. Retrieved https://cyber.gc.ca/sites/default/files/cyber/2022-02/ITSAP-00-300-How-To-Identify-Misinformation_e.pdf

How to Spot Real and Fake News. Retrieved https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/fake-news.htm

Deciding Whether News is Fake or Real

 

The need to ascertain the validity of information we receive is perennial. The term “fake news” has only come into the lexicon in recent years, and it is closely related to other terms such as alternative facts, junk news, pseudo-news, or hoax news. Fake news consists of false stories disguised as real news and can be found on news outlets such as TV, radio, and social media.

The purpose of distributing fake news is to spread false information, and that information can include hoaxes, scams, and frauds. False information can be intended to sway public opinion and influence voting. Examples of false information include promoting a false idea (“the election was stolen”), selling a fake product (“lose 20 pounds in a week with our product”), or confusing people with false information. Techniques that are used include:

• repetition of a point 
• use of emotional and biased language 
• photo-shopped images 
• taking things out of context 
• casting doubt on traditional news

Many incorrect articles and rumors are spread using these techniques, so it is important to become knowledgeable and astute in detecting false information. It can be quite difficult to detect false information because some individuals and organizations are skilled at developing and delivering false information.

• Have you been swayed because of fake news?  

References

Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (2022, February). How to Identify Misinformation, Disinformation, and Malinformation. Retrieved https://cyber.gc.ca/sites/default/files/cyber/2022-02/ITSAP-00-300-How-To-Identify-Misinformation_e.pdf

How to Spot Real and Fake News. Retrieved https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/fake-news.htm