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What is an algorithm?

This article is part of Fake news

An algorithm is a piece of programming language that consists of a finite series of instructions, aimed at achieving a certain goal. That goal can be to present people with content that they will find interesting on their social media feeds, for example. An algorithm is often used to automate certain decisions. But how does it work?

What are algorithms used for?

Many media companies use algorithms to some extent for their daily functioning:

  • Search engines. The algorithms behind search engines predict which search results match your query most closely.
  • News media. The algorithm behind news websites or apps predicts what information users will find interesting in order to personalise news. 
  • Advertisers. Thanks to algorithms, advertisers can target the right audience by showing internet users personalised advertisements.
  • Social media. The algorithms behind social media are designed to keep the attention of users for as long as possible. It fills their feeds with content related to earlier search queries, likes, shares and reactions.

But algorithms aren’t exclusive to the media sector. You can technically use them for anything. They are used to highlight suitable candidates in job applications, they help self-driving cars avoid obstacles, and even police experiment with algorithms to try and predict criminal activity.

How do algorithms work?

An algorithm is a mathematical formula that is always developed by humans and that can be adjusted at any time. That means that every algorithm is different. The only thing algorithms have in common is that they start from a certain input (eg. a search query) and always have a certain goal (eg. displaying the best search results). Companies prefer to keep the actual steps the algorithm takes to arrive at its result a secret.

The risks of algorithms

For certain applications, algorithms need information about users. That’s why they use cookies: tiny text files that websites use to log information about your visit. Based on these, algorithms can create a profile of you, which they use to determine which content you might like. Note that websites always need your consent to collect cookies.

Algorithms don’t look at the contents of a message or advertisement, they only consider its likelihood to match your interests. If you have ever watched a video about a doubtful conspiracy theory, the algorithm might display similar videos on your feed, even if they are nonsense. That way, algorithms can facilitate the spread of disinformation.

Because algorithms base their decisions on the interests and preferences of users, there’s a chance that people end up being insufficiently informed. Algorithms on social media will mostly show you information that already matches your world view. If you don’t consult any other sources of information, your way of thinking is never challenged. This can have a polarising effect.

It’s important to remember that algorithms are made by humans. Therefore, the decisions an algorithm makes are highly dependent on the ideas and values of its creators. That way, algorithms can exacerbate prejudice and discrimination.

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Published on 27 November 2023