Understanding Algorithms and Social Media

What kind of data do social media algorithms use to decide what to show you next?

• Your location, likes, and viewing times.

• Your favorite color only.

• The weather in your city.

• The price of your phone.

Which of the following is NOT typically used by social media algorithms to decide what to show you?

• The weather in your city.

• Your location.

• Your likes.

• Your viewing times.

What is the primary function of an algorithm in a computer program?

• To provide a set of instructions for the program to follow.

• To display advertisements.

• To connect to the internet.

• To change the color of the screen.

How can echo chambers affect your beliefs over time?

• They can make your beliefs more extreme.

• They can make you forget your beliefs.

• They can make you dislike technology.

• They can make you more interested in sports.

What does erasing your view and search history do to the algorithm?

• It causes the algorithm to "reset."

• It makes the algorithm stop working.

• It deletes your account.

• It increases advertisements.

What should you do the next time you’re on social media, according to the text?

• Examine your feed carefully.

• Post more frequently.

• Unfollow everyone.

• Only like posts from friends.

Why is it important to examine your social media feed carefully?

• To see if you are only seeing one side of the story.

• To find new games to play.

• To increase your followers.

• To improve your typing speed.

What does the text suggest you do if you notice you are in an echo chamber?

• Take steps to break out of it.

• Ignore it.

• Complain to your friends.

• Delete your account.

What is a "chamber" as defined in the vocabulary section?

• A type of calculation

• A secret room or large enclosed space

• A kind of social media algorithm

• A way to interact with students

What does the adjective "radical" mean as used in the vocabulary section?

• Very moderate or calm

• Extremely different or fundamental

• Slightly unusual

• Outdated