All social media are built around a set of algorithms, and these algorithms have specific goals. Whether it’s to make platform users view latest content, click on advertisements to generate income for the brand, or to fulfill certain actions, algorithms push the user experience towards a predetermined goal.
The more we use social media, the more we “tell” the platform how we move–this allows its algorithm to figure out how to make us “chase the rabbit,” or to make us meet a certain action. Algorithms wield significant influence over the content users encounter on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, shaping their overall experience in several ways:
1. Content prioritisation
Algorithms analyses vast amounts of user data, including past behaviour, interactions, and preferences, to prioritise content that is deemed most relevant or engaging to each user. This personalized content curation ensures that users are exposed to posts, tweets, or photos that are likely to capture their interest, increasing the likelihood of continued engagement with the platform.
2. Feed organisation
Algorithms determine the order in which content appears in users’ feeds, prioritising posts from friends, family, and accounts they frequently interact with. This arrangement aims to optimise user engagement by showcasing content that is more likely to elicit likes, comments, or shares, thus enhancing the overall user experience.
3. Targeted advertising
Algorithms play a crucial role in targeting advertisements to users based on their demographics, interests, and online behaviour. By analysing user data and predicting their preferences, algorithms can deliver highly relevant and personalised ads, increasing the effectiveness of advertising campaigns while minimising ad fatigue for users.
4. Filtering and moderation
Algorithms are employed to filter and moderate content to ensure compliance with community guidelines and standards. This includes identifying and removing spam, hate speech, misinformation, and other harmful content from users’ feeds, thereby fostering a safer and more conducive environment for interaction and discourse.
5. Recommendation systems
Algorithms power recommendation systems that suggest content, accounts, or groups for users to follow based on their interests and past activity. By surfacing relevant and engaging content, these recommendations help users discover new accounts, topics, or trends, enriching their overall experience on the platform.
Overall, algorithms on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter exert considerable influence over the content users see and the way they engage with the platform. By leveraging data-driven insights to personalise content, optimise feed organisation, and enhance targeted advertising, algorithms strive to create a tailored user experience that fosters continued user engagement and satisfaction.