The Secret of Digital Power / How We Can Get Rid of Unwanted Social Media Algorithms

Algorithms exist in internet search engines, mobile apps and social media platforms. I’m everywhere. For the sake of everyone’s understanding, let’s imagine that you want to learn how to prepare a recipe for a delicious cake. Well, an algorithm is like a list of steps you have to follow to make the cake. But in technology, algorithms are used to solve a wide range of problems and tasks, from simple mathematical calculations to complex data processing and software creation.

Check out the G4Media “Tech Trends” video podcast by Alex Buzică: Algorithms: The Secret of Digital Power

Algorithms are independent of the programming language and can be implemented in various environments to guide a computer or system in performing operations, whether simple or complex. They are like co-pilots of operating systems.

Let’s go back a few years to better understand their functionality. If you recall, Cambridge Analytica used several algorithms to collect, analyze and influence the personal data of users on social media platforms, especially Facebook, for political and commercial purposes.

One of the key algorithms used by Cambridge Analytica was a sophisticated data analysis system that combined demographic, behavioral and psychographic data to create detailed user profiles.

These profiles have been used to understand and influence voter behavior in election campaigns.

Cambridge Analytica also used audience segmentation algorithms to target political and advertising content to specific groups of users based on their preferences and characteristics.

However, it should be noted that Cambridge Analytica’s practices were the subject of extensive controversy and legal investigation, and the company subsequently shut down its operations.

Coming back to the present, whether it is the Facebook news feed or certain pages on TikTok, social media algorithms are used to promote certain content and thus give birth to the feeds we all know. But how do these algorithms work? And more importantly, is there a way to “manipulate” them to see more of the content we want that isn’t forced upon us?

Controlling algorithms on social networks can be difficult because they are often protected by the companies that own them.

Most of the time when we search, for example, a pair of sneakers on Google, we will then be bombarded with advertising for shoes on all the networks we browse.

There are some options by which we can get rid of unwanted algorithms on social networks. First of all we need to go into the privacy settings of the account we are using and customize our contact details. This means who can see the content and who can contact us. We may also adjust notifications to limit the frequency with which we receive certain types of content or updates.

We need to be selective about the content we like, share and comment on. Social media algorithms often track these interactions to deliver more similar content in the future.

Periodically review the people you follow and the pages you’ve liked to remove content that no longer interests you or is negatively impacting your mood. If you encounter inappropriate content or behavior, or if you believe that the algorithms are not working properly, please use the reporting options and provide feedback to that platform.

Online platforms such as social networks, online stores and streaming services often use recommendation algorithms to suggest certain content, products or services to users.

Algorithms can be used to tailor the content shown to users based on their interests and online behavior.

Some algorithms are designed to detect and manipulate the emotions and emotional states of users. These algorithms can be used to induce states of anxiety, anger or sadness in order to influence user behavior.

It is important to emphasize that manipulation using algorithms can have negative consequences and affect the integrity and well-being of online users.

Algorithms used for surveillance and personal data collection can pose a threat to individual privacy and freedom. These algorithms can be used to monitor and control citizens, as well as to manipulate and exploit personal data.

Over time, Russia has been associated with various cyber and disinformation activities that are considered dangerous or harmful. These activities may involve using algorithms in various ways to manipulate information and influence online opinions or behaviors.

Russia is held responsible for various cyber attacks on other states and organizations, which may involve the use of algorithms to compromise or destroy computer systems, steal sensitive data, or disrupt operations.

The Russian regime uses surveillance and control technologies, including algorithms, to monitor and control the online activity of citizens and political opponents. These activities may violate human rights and undermine freedom of expression and association. Likewise, China, through ByteDance’s TikTok platform, has been accused of using such algorithms.

And North Korea or Iran are suspected of training algorithms to influence users’ opinions in their cyber activities.

Finally, in light of the dangers and complexities that algorithms bring to our society, it is essential that we engage in ongoing reflection and awareness of their impact, for only by deeply understanding the power and vulnerabilities of these technological tools can we navigate with confidence and responsibility in the ever-evolving digital world.

Note: Alex Buzică is a reporter at Radio România Actualităită and the creator of the show Internet cafe broadcast every Saturday from 18:10.