EDU 790 Algorithms

 Algorithms 

Source: Geeks for Geeks

This week I chose to dive into and investigate algorithms.  The topic of algorithms is very broad and almost impossible to fully cover all topics and usage of algorithms.  I will keep this in general terms and focus more on social media algorithms. 

Overview of Algorithms: According to the article, Algorithmic Awareness, by Media Smarts, algorithms are defined as a set of step-by-step instructions for solving a problem or completing a mathematical or computational task. Algorithms sort data to find patterns and make predictions or recommendations. The term is often used to refer specifically to computer programs trained to make predictions.  This definition is the overall definition of algorithms.  Brent Barnhart defines social media algorithms in his article, Everything You Need to Know about Social Media Algorithms as a way of sorting posts in a users’ feed based on relevancy instead of publish time.  Barnhart's definition is simple but may not fully lead to an understanding of algorithms. 

Why Algorithms are Important Today? Algorithms are important today because they are used within social media platforms and that dictates what you see which can influence human behavior.  According to Barnhart's article, social media platforms assign content to you based upon your behavior and interactions within the platform.  For example if you like something, content related to what you like will be directed to your account.  I find this interesting as this is part of the reason that some people may interact with social media more than they would like to as the platform is directing information to you that your are interested in hence keeping your attention.  Algorithms are also used by social media companies to direct ads and content to its users.  This is how social media companies make money, they sell space to marketing and advertising companies.  Think of this like commercials, ads in a magazine, or billboards on the side of the highway but only better because users can just click and purchase what ever is being sold.  Also the ads are targeted to the social media user by using their personal information and behavior increasing the chance a purchase will be made.  Marketing and advertising agencies use social media as they know their products and services will be directed to people that are interested in that product or service increasing the probability that their product or service will be purchased.  I've been guilty of buying products and services that are directed to me on the social media platforms that I use. 

It is also important to look at is not just how advertisements are directed at users but also content.  I do not want to get into any political debates or share any political stances but it's important to note how social media platforms and algorithms can influence ones political views and stances.  Once a person likes an article or post by another user, content is then directed towards that person based upon the behavior of liking or clicking the angry face icon like on Facebook.  Content which can be in the forms of articles or other users posts is directed to users based on their behavior and interaction with certain topics and posts.  This can be dangerous as not all content on social media is factual, accurate, or trustworthy.   This can lead to people believing misinformation that is being spread based on algorithms.   Also, look at the recent Tik Tok challenges that have influenced teens to do silly things such as destroy bathrooms, vandalize, or commit minor criminal offenses in their communities.  Again, content being targeted to users can influence behavior, these challenges are proof of concept.  I was part of the Facebook challenge where people dumped ice cold water on themselves to bring awareness to ALS and to raise money.  Never before did I think I would purposely dump ice cold water on myself because someone told me to. I'm not sure if an algorithm was used in the case of the ALS challenge but incase of Tik Tok challenges they are surely used.  It's important to see how social media can influence human behavior using algorithms to target people.  It's more important that social media companies are being responsible and that their algorithms are not being used to cause harm. 

How Algorithms Relate to my Learning Space? In my professional life, I find that I often interact with algorithms.  As a math teacher I teach division of polynomials using an algorithm, I tend to push students to use synthetic division rather than the long division method.  I also utilize the MAP platform as a means to progress monitor and assess my students.  The MAP assessment platform is an adaptive test that uses the students answers to adjust to their level.  I also assess students using the ACCESS for ELLs assessment.  This test is also an adaptive assessment technology.  

Summary/Reflection:  This weeks investigation was especially interesting for me.  I've always been a little apprehensive with my use of social media due to its usage of personal information and data to influence behavior.  I always wondered why after I had a conversation with my wife about a certain topic such as a need for a new lawn mower that ads for lawn mowers would pop up in my Facebook.  After looking at user agreements and my smartphone, I found that I allowed use of microphone access to my Facebook so this is the type of personal information that is being collected to direct content to my Facebook.  About 20 years ago I would be called crazy for bringing this up but in our current world it is now a reality.  Our personal information that we share on social media is used and it is very profitable for certain companies and organizations.  I'm still on the fence about if the use of social media a good thing or could it be bad or at least does it need to be regulated.  A major take away from this investigation is the fact I will be taking a closer look at user agreements for any platform that I may join and see how my personal information and data will be used.