The Dark Side of Social Media Algorithms: Are We Being Manipulated?
Every single one of us uses social media daily, either by scrolling through Instagram, viewing TikToks, or looking at Facebook. But have you ever stopped and thought about how some posts, videos, or ads end up in your feed? The answer is simple: algorithms.
It has been noted that social media algorithms are behind the scenes deciding exactly what you’re going to be seeing on your feed. But these algorithms may make your experience personalized, with a dark side to it, as we delve into how algorithms might manipulate you without even you realizing it.
What Are Social Media Algorithms?
Social media algorithms are systems that decide which content should be shown to you based on what you have liked, shared, or spent time watching. They try to predict what you will engage with, so you stay on the platform longer. Instead of seeing everything from the people you follow, you’re shown posts that the algorithm thinks will grab your attention.
How Are We Being Manipulated?
- Echo Chambers and Filter Bubbles
Algorithms often show us the same type of content we’ve liked before. This means we end up seeing only what we agree with. Over time, this creates an echo chamber, where we’re stuck hearing the same ideas, making us less open to new or different perspectives. - Keeping Us Hooked
Social media wants us to stay on their platforms for as long as possible. To do this, they show us posts that make us emotional—whether it’s something funny, shocking, or controversial. The goal is to keep us engaged, even if that means we’re feeling upset, angry, or excited. This is done to get us to interact with posts more, which helps social media make money. - Spreading Misinformation
Because algorithms show content that gets lots of engagement, sometimes fake news or misleading information can spread easily. Posts that are dramatic or sensational are more likely to get shared, even if they aren’t true. This can confuse people and create fear or anger. - Addiction and Control
Social media platforms are designed to be addictive. The endless scrolling, notifications, and “likes” give us a quick rush of dopamine, making us want more. We can end up spending hours on our phones without even realizing it. The more we use social media, the more data they collect, which is used to keep us hooked.
Is This All Bad?
While algorithms can be helpful by showing us content we’re interested in, the way they manipulate us can be harmful. When social media platforms care more about engagement (getting us to click, like, and share) than about our well-being, they can end up causing more harm than good.
However, it’s not all bad. Algorithms help us discover new things, meet new people, and learn about topics we enjoy. It is just important to know as much as possible about how much control they have over the content that we see.
How Can We Protect Ourselves?
- Follow Different Types of Accounts: Try to follow people or pages that offer different viewpoints, so you don’t get stuck in an echo chamber.
- Limit Your Time: Social media can be addictive, so try setting limits for yourself on how long you use each app each day.
- Think Before You Share: Always double-check the information before sharing it. Don’t believe everything you see on social media—especially if it seems shocking or too good to be true.
- Be Aware of Your Feelings: Pay attention to how social media makes you feel. If certain posts are making you angry or upset, consider unfollowing those accounts or muting them.
Conclusion
Social media algorithms have much power over what we see and how we feel. They can help us find interesting content, but they can also be used to manipulate us into staying online longer, believing fake news, and getting stuck in narrow views. By knowing how algorithms work and taking control of what we see, we can protect ourselves from being manipulated.
What do you think? Have you ever felt like social media is manipulating you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
