Topic 11: Algorithms, Attention, and Democracy

Algorithm

A set of rules or instructions used by platforms to rank filter and recommend content to users

Algorithmic Curation

When an algorithm chooses what you see online instead of you choosing for yourself

Goal of Algorithms on Platforms

To maximize user engagement by showing the content most likely to keep your attention

Democratic Concern Algorithms

Algorithms can distort what people see and therefore distort public understanding of political issues

Visibility Power

Algorithms give certain posts high visibility and bury others giving platforms enormous influence over public attention

Agenda Setting Online

Platforms affect what issues the public thinks about by controlling what appears in feeds and trending lists

Polarization Through Algorithms

Algorithms often amplify extreme content because it generates strong reactions increasing political division

Outrage Bias

Algorithms prioritize content that provokes anger or emotional responses because these increase engagement

Misinformation Spread

Algorithms can unintentionally push false or misleading information because shocking content performs well

Echo Chambers Democracy Problem

When people only see views they already agree with they become less informed and less open to democratic debate

Filter Bubbles Democracy Problem

Personalized information bubbles reduce exposure to diverse perspectives harming democratic decision making

Autonomy Threat Algorithms

Algorithms shape what we focus on in ways we do not fully understand limiting our informed decision making

Manipulation Concern

Platforms can subtly steer political beliefs by adjusting what content people see without their awareness

Democratic Citizenship Requirement

A healthy democracy requires informed citizens able to evaluate a wide range of ideas and arguments

Fragmented Public Sphere

Algorithms create many separate communities seeing different realities which weakens shared democratic conversation

Amplification of Extremism

Algorithms may boost extreme groups or conspiracy theories because they produce high engagement

Moral Responsibility of Platforms

Platforms have ethical duties because their algorithms influence elections political beliefs and public discourse

Transparency Problem

Users cannot see how algorithms work making it difficult to evaluate fairness accuracy or manipulation

Whose Values Embedded in Algorithms

Algorithms reflect the priorities and design choices of companies who control what gets visibility

Regulation Debate

Should governments regulate algorithms to protect democracy or does regulation threaten free expression

Exam Requirement Explain How Algorithms Affect Democracy

Must describe visibility control polarization misinformation and public sphere fragmentation

Exam Requirement Outrage and Engagement Link

Must explain why harmful content spreads more easily in algorithmic systems

Exam Requirement Democratic Risks

Must show how algorithms undermine informed citizenship shared reality and fair public debate