Algorithms and echo chambers 

What is the algorithm? 

The social media algorithm. It’s everywhere. But what exactly is it? And can you challenge it?

An algorithm is a set of rules that decides what you’ll see on your feed. Each social media platform uses a different algorithm.  So, everything you see online is powered by an algorithm. 

How it works 

Platforms don’t share exactly how their algorithms work. But they’re designed to show you more of what you like and less of what you don’t, so you spend more time on the app or online.

Algorithms decide what to show you by monitoring what you do. So if you like, comment or share a post then you’ll see more of the same thing. But if you don’t engage and instead swipe past or block a post, then the algorithm hides similar content. Take a look at “The Algorithm” to find out more about how algorithms work.

Algorithms don’t assess whether you’re engaging in a positive or negative way. So if you share a misogynistic post as a warning to others, or call out misleading content about women and girls in the comments, the algorithm just sees that as you engaging with the content.  

That can help boost the content, as algorithms promote popular content on people’s feeds. It also means you’ll see more similar content as by engaging with a post, the algorithm assumes you want to see more things like it.  

All of this leads to echo chambers. And it can make you think everyone thinks the same thing, when they don’t – and fuel hatred and harm of women and girls. But you can challenge sexism.

What is an echo chamber? 

An echo chamber is when you only hear information or opinions that reflect your own. So, you think that everyone thinks what you think.

Sometimes that can feel good. Making your social media a positive space can help protect you from seeing harmful content, like posts promoting misogyny or abuse.

And, let’s be honest, we all want people to agree with us. But if you’re stuck in a negative echo chamber it can be really unhealthy.  

Plus, it’s important to hear different points of view. Friendly challenge is good for us. And empathy is really important. 

Can you turn the algorithm off? 

You can’t always turn the algorithm off. But you can do things to change the picture it builds of you. Try:

• Switching off suggested posts or feeds. This won’t work everywhere – you can’t switch off your FYP on TikTok. But you can switch off suggestions on Instagram and Facebook. 

• Unlink accounts. Sometimes it’s just easier to use another account like your Google profile to log in. But if you do this, you’re probably giving the social media site access to see more information about you. And it can use this to feed the algorithm more information about you. So, think before you link. And if you’ve already shared your login, then check the settings to unlink the accounts.

• Ignore clickbait and ragebait. Some content is designed just to get you to engage. Even if it makes you really angry, like ragebait. But if you interact with it – even by just looking at the comments – then the algorithm is likely to show you more of it. The more you engage, the more you see.

• Show the algorithm what you like. Like, share, search for and comment on the content you want to see, and you’ll fill your feed with posts and stories that you like. By making active choices, you can make your social media a positive space full of your favourite things and people.

• Take time out. Remember, social media is supposed to make you feel good and connected. But if it’s making you feel bad, insecure, isolated or pressured then maybe it’s time to unplug. Even a small detox – like setting sleep reminders or not reaching for your phone as soon as you wake up – can make a big difference to your wellbeing.