For example, Tiktok, Instagram, etc. all have an “algorithm”. But what is that? Who creates it?
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An algorithm is just a set of instructions.
Brushing your teeth can be set out as an algorithm (each of the steps), or making a sandwich.
Usually when we talk about algorithms we are talking about parts of computer programmes, which take in data and give out data in return.
In terms of social media, when we talk about “the algorithm” we mean all the complicated computer programming that figures out what posts to promote, what to suppress, and what to share with which.
The relevance of calling it “the algorithm” is that – unlike in the early days of the web – these decisions are made automatically, by internal systems, based on rules developed by the software engineers. And they’ve got to be very effective at achieving their desired outcomes (usually maximising revenue by encouraging engagement).
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