Overview:

Social media platforms operate by algorithms, which are also used in machine learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI).  Algorithms are a set of coded instructions that are executed by receiving some input or trigger.  For example, on social media, an algorithim may put certain content at the top of your news feed when you have clicked on similar content in the past, or when it has recieved many "likes".  Social media platforms use algorithms to maximize user-engagement.  That is, they want to keep you on the platform for as long as possible and engaging in content.  But this means that what we see on social media is designed specifically to keep us attached to our screens, and often taps into strong emotions such as anger, shock, or being affirmed by others, so that it is difficult to put our electronic devices down.  Here learn more about how algorithms  work, how they play a role on social media, and the ethical issues they raise for ourselves and our relationships with others.

Topics:

The Ethics of Algorithms

This short video introduces what algorithms are and the central ethical concerns they raise.

 

After the Video Discussion Questions:​

  • Can you think of some other ethical issues related to algorithms? What might these be?​
  • Do you find yourself worried about the violation of your privacy? Why or why not? What do you find especially concerning about this? ​
  • Should companies reveal how their algorithms work so they are more transparent to the public? Why or why not?​
  • Who or what do you think should be held accountable for harms generated byalgorithms? ​

Additional Resources:

  • Check out the documentary The Social Dilemma, available on Netflix, which goes into more detail about how algorithms are used on social media platforms and why they may not serve our interests.  Also hear from former employees of Facebook, Twitter, You-Tube, and Instagram about why they quit working for these companies and what we could do to make technology more humane and ethical.  This 2021 documentary is rated PG-13 and is 94 minutes long (but shorter portions could be screened).