Demystifying Algorithms: A Non-Technical Guide to How They Affect Your Life

Author(s): Victor Ojewale

Originally published on Towards AI.

In today’s world, algorithms are everywhere. They determine what you see on social media, the results of your Google searches, the shows Netflix recommends, and even how AI tools like ChatGPT respond to your questions. But for many people, the term “algorithm” remains somewhat mysterious. What exactly are algorithms, and why do they have such a big impact on our lives? In this guide, I will break down what algorithms are, why they matter, and how they shape many aspects of our daily interactions with technology without getting too technical.

What is an Algorithm?

At its simplest, an algorithm is a set of instructions or steps designed to solve a problem or accomplish a task. Imagine it like following a recipe(disclaimer that I am not a baker lol):

• Gather ingredients
• Mix them together
• Bake for a certain time and temperature
• Serve and enjoy

Similarly, algorithms help computers, apps, and websites make decisions. When you search for something on Google, the algorithm takes your input (the search terms) and quickly sorts through a massive number of webpages to provide the most relevant results. The same thing happens when you scroll through your Instagram feed or ask a virtual assistant for directions. Just like a recipe tells you how to bake a cake, algorithms give computers step-by-step instructions to complete a task.

The beauty of algorithms is that they allow computers to solve problems quickly and efficiently, often processing large amounts of data that would be impossible for humans to handle alone. This is why they are used in virtually every corner of modern technology.

Why Are Algorithms Important?

Algorithms are the backbone of modern technology. They allow companies and services to handle huge amounts of data and make decisions in seconds, all while tailoring experiences to each individual user. Without algorithms, our digital experiences would be far less personalized and much slower.

Here are some real-world examples of how algorithms work:

1. Social Media Feeds: Have you ever wondered why some posts appear at the top of your feed while others seem to vanish? Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter use algorithms to analyze your behavior — such as the posts you like, share, or comment on — and prioritize content based on what they think you’ll engage with most. This is why you often see posts from friends or accounts you interact with regularly. Social media algorithms essentially curate your experience, ensuring that you see content they predict you’ll find interesting, even if it means pushing aside other content that might be equally important[1].
2. Search Engines: Google uses complex algorithms to determine which websites should rank higher when you type a query. These algorithms evaluate factors like relevance, the timeliness of content, the number of sites linking to a page, and even your personal search history. This is why Google can provide you with fast and accurate search results tailored to what it believes you are searching for. Without such algorithms, it would take you hours to sift through irrelevant web pages to find the information you need.
3. Streaming Services: Netflix and Spotify rely heavily on algorithms to recommend shows, movies, and songs. These platforms track what you have watched or listened to, then predict what you might enjoy next, creating personalized recommendations that keep you engaged. These algorithms are designed not just to enhance your experience but also to encourage you to spend more time on the platform. In fact, many streaming services attribute their success to their recommendation algorithms, which have become key in driving user engagement and satisfaction.
4. Online Shopping: Platforms like Amazon use recommendation algorithms to suggest products you might like based on your previous purchases, search history, or even what similar customers have bought. This not only makes shopping more convenient but also drives sales for companies. These algorithms also use real-time data to offer you targeted deals, creating a highly personalized shopping experience.
5. AI Tools Like ChatGPT: AI tools like ChatGPT rely on sophisticated algorithms known as language models. These tools process vast amounts of text and analyze patterns to provide responses that feel human-like. When you ask ChatGPT a question, the algorithm predicts the best answer based on its training data and the context of your question. This technology is not just limited to conversational AI; it underpins many modern AI systems, from voice assistants like Siri to automated customer service bots used by companies.

Some Consequences of Algorithms

While algorithms make life more convenient, they also have significant implications. They shape the content we see, the decisions that affect us, and even our perceptions of the world. Let us explore a few important areas where algorithms can have unintended consequences.

1. Bias and Discrimination

One of the major concerns with algorithms is the potential for bias. Since humans create and train algorithms, they can unintentionally introduce biases into the system. For example, algorithms used in facial recognition systems have been shown to misidentify people with darker skin tones more frequently than those with lighter skin. This can have serious consequences in areas like law enforcement and security[2].

Even in areas like hiring, algorithms have been shown to favor certain candidates over others based on biased data. If the data used to train the algorithm reflects societal inequalities, the algorithm can end up reinforcing these biases, excluding qualified candidates based on factors like gender or race. This is why bias audits testing algorithms to ensure they perform fairly across diverse groups are becoming increasingly important[3].

Furthermore, the data used to train algorithms can reflect historical prejudices and power imbalances in society, reinforcing systemic inequalities. This raises ethical concerns, particularly when these algorithms are used in critical areas such as criminal justice, healthcare, and education.

2. Lack of Transparency

Another key issue with algorithms is that they often operate behind the scenes, and companies do not always disclose how they work. This lack of transparency can be troubling, especially when algorithms are used in critical areas. For example, if an algorithm determines whether or not someone is eligible for a loan, but the process behind that decision is hidden, it raises ethical concerns about fairness and accountability[4].

On social media, algorithms decide which content is prioritized or hidden. If users do not know why certain posts are shown while others are not, it becomes difficult to understand how their online experience is being shaped.

The lack of transparency in algorithmic decision-making also makes it difficult for individuals to challenge or question decisions made by automated systems. For example, if a person is denied a loan or job based on an algorithmic assessment, how can they contest the decision if they don’t understand how it was made?

3. Echo Chambers and Filter Bubbles

Social media algorithms are designed to show you content that aligns with your interests. While this makes for a personalized experience, it can also limit the diversity of information you are exposed to. Over time, you may find yourself in an “echo chamber,” where you only see posts and opinions that reinforce your own views. This can make it harder to encounter new perspectives and can contribute to the growing polarization of opinions online[5].

Similarly, “filter bubbles” occur when algorithms restrict what you see based on your past behavior. For example, if you frequently watch videos on a specific topic, YouTube’s algorithm will continue to recommend similar content, making it harder for you to discover something outside your typical interests. This can limit your ability to explore new ideas, products, or experiences[6].

4. Privacy Concerns

Algorithms often rely on vast amounts of personal data to operate effectively. From tracking your browsing habits to analyzing your location data, algorithms gather and process a lot of information about you. While this data is used to personalize your experience, it also raises privacy concerns.

Many people do not realize just how much data is being collected or how it is being used. For example, when you see ads for a product you browsed earlier, that is because an algorithm tracked your behavior across multiple sites. As algorithms get more sophisticated, questions about data security and privacy become even more critical. Who has access to this data, and how is it being used or stored?

What Can I Do?

While algorithms are deeply embedded in the tools we use every day, there are steps you can take to be more aware of their influence and even perform your own personal “audit” of how they impact your digital experience. Here’s what you can do:

1. Pay Attention to Patterns: Start by noticing how the algorithms around you are shaping your experience. Is your social media feed showing you the same types of posts? Are your recommendations on streaming services narrowing down to only a certain type of content? If you feel like something is off or too repetitive, it’s a sign that the algorithm might be boxing you in. This is your opportunity to step back and ask, “Am I really getting a diverse range of information?”
2. Be Skeptical of What You’re Shown: Algorithms are not perfect and can sometimes promote biased or inaccurate content. If something feels off like if you’re seeing overly sensational news or misleading ads, pause and question why it’s being shown to you. Do your own fact-checking, especially if a post or suggestion seems to be reinforcing a narrow viewpoint. Trust your instincts and remember that not everything an algorithm presents is based on quality or truth; sometimes it’s just based on what will keep you engaged.
3. Control Your Privacy Settings: Many platforms allow you to adjust privacy settings, which directly affect how algorithms use your data. Take a moment to review these settings on apps and websites you use regularly. Limit how much personal data you share, and if it feels right for you, disable things like personalized ads or location tracking. This can help reduce how much algorithms “know” about you and provide a sense of control over how your data is used.
4. Check for Algorithmic Errors: Algorithms are not infallible, and mistakes happen even in the most seemingly smart AI systems(smiles in ChatGPT ). Whether it’s an unexpected credit score drop, a miscalculated travel route, or being recommended something inappropriate, pay attention to these errors. If something doesn’t seem right, take action by contacting support, disputing decisions, or seeking a second opinion. Algorithms are complex, but that doesn’t mean you can’t challenge them when they get things wrong.
5. Advocate for Algorithmic Transparency: As algorithms become more powerful, it’s important to advocate for platforms to be transparent about how they work. Support companies that explain how their algorithms make decisions or allow users to choose how content is delivered, such as offering chronological feeds instead of algorithmic ones. You can also support organizations that push for more ethical and accountable use of algorithms.

By paying closer attention to how algorithms shape your online experience, you can become your own digital auditor. Notice patterns, question decisions, and take control of the inputs you give these systems. While you may not be able to change the way algorithms work entirely, you can stay vigilant and make informed decisions about how they affect your digital life. By doing so, you ensure that you aren’t just passively consuming what the algorithm serves, but are actively curating your own experience.

Conclusion

Algorithms are a fundamental part of the digital world we live in today. They bring efficiency and personalization to everything from social media to online shopping, search engines, and even AI tools like ChatGPT. However, they also come with significant consequences — whether it is reinforcing bias, creating filter bubbles, or raising concerns about privacy.

By becoming more aware of how algorithms impact our lives and the decisions they influence, we can better navigate the digital landscape. The next time you scroll through your feed, search for something online or get a recommendation from Netflix, remember that an algorithm is behind that decision. Understanding how it works and where it can fall short can help us all become smarter, more informed users of technology.

References

1. Gillespie, T. (2018). Custodians of the Internet: Platforms, Content Moderation, and the Hidden Decisions That Shape Social Media. Yale University Press.
2. Buolamwini, J., & Gebru, T. (2018). Gender Shades: Intersectional Accuracy Disparities in Commercial Gender Classification. Proceedings of Machine Learning Research, 81, 77–91.
3. Raghavan, M., Barocas, S., Kleinberg, J., & Levy, K. (2020). Mitigating Bias in Algorithmic Hiring: Evaluating Claims and Practices. Proceedings of the 2020 Conference on Fairness, Accountability, and Transparency.
4. Diakopoulos, N. (2016). Accountability in Algorithmic Decision-Making. Communications of the ACM, 59(2), 56–62.
5. Pariser, E. (2011). The Filter Bubble: What the Internet is Hiding from You. Penguin Press.
6. Sunstein, C. R. (2017). #Republic: Divided Democracy in the Age of Social Media. Princeton University Press.

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Published via Towards AI