Algorithms and Their Relationship with our Lives

In this week's class lectures, we talked about the concept of algorithms, and I couldn't help but think just how influential they are in how we use them. Similar to formulas in math questions, algorithms are a set of rules that take in available information and convert it to yield a particular goal. One primary way algorithms are placed into everyday life is through the internet, specifically within search browsers, e-commerce websites, and social media pages. 

During Wednesday's Class, we tested our search engine's algorithms by searching three terms on different people's computers. We found that the results that appear are tailored to fit an individual's interests. Many characteristics are considered when algorithms measure consumers' interests, such as previous search history and geographic location. Although the concept of algorithms may seem creepy and invasive initially, they've helped make our lives easier by reducing options to only our most desired ones. Without algorithms, we wouldn't have personalized playlist suggestions, a "people you may know" tab on Facebook, or easy access to news about our communities. Algorithms make our lives easier and allow us to focus on the things we enjoy. While there are some downsides to them, I think it's an overall benefit to society at the end of the day. 


I've noticed algorithms influence my daily life through the content I see on Instagram. I am obsessed with home organization and design, and my Instagram homepage reflects those interests very well. Whenever I click on the app, I see dozens of reels and posts about home organization techniques and vision boards. 






Comments

  1. Cora WilliamsonSeptember 18, 2022 at 11:47 AM

    Hi Cesar! You bring up a great point about how useful algorithms are. Modern internet usage would look very different without them. I think the main improvement that algorithms give the internet is ease of access. The ability to find anything and everything that someone wants is the hallmark of today’s internet. It is the main reason people spend so much time online. From information to entertainment, people don’t want to spend time searching around themselves. Because algorithms do such a good job at streamlining this process, they have become vital to the average person’s enjoyment of the internet. Great post, thank you for your thoughts.

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