Social media algorithms are like a super-smart friend who knows exactly what you like and shows you more of that.
Imagine you have a toy box full of different toys, some are cars, some are dolls, and others are blocks. Every time you pick a toy, your smart friend notices which one you choose. The next time, they give you more of the same kind of toy because they think you’ll like it. That’s how social media works with posts, videos, and pictures, your smart friend (the algorithm) shows you more of what you’ve liked before.
How the Smart Friend Chooses
Your smart friend looks at a few things:
- Which posts you click on or watch all the way through
- Whether you like, comment, or share something
- How long you stay on the app, if you’re really interested, you’ll spend more time there
It’s like when you tell your friend which toy is your favorite, they remember and bring it to you again!
Sometimes, your smart friend also shows you new toys that people with similar tastes have enjoyed. That way, you might discover something new that you love too!
Examples
- A child sees funny videos because the app thinks they like them.
- Your friend’s post shows up first because you often comment on it.
- The app suggests a new game because many people you follow liked it.
Ask a question
See also
- How Does I Cracked The Social Media Algorithm Work?
- How do new social media algorithms choose what content I see?
- How algorithms shape what you see on social media?
- Trapped in a filter bubble: What are the algorithms hiding from you?
- How social media filter bubbles work?