Algorithms across social media are as important as ever. Social media algorithms are strategies across the platforms to prioritize content across users’ feeds. As someone active on multiple social media platforms, I often stumble across content through the algorithms and engage with them further. Most of the content I consume is about something I happen to come across because of the algorithms of social media apps.
Guest Speaker and Data Analyst Nitin Goyal talked about the different purposes of algorithms. The first is personalized content. I have noticed that across platforms like Twitter, I often stumble across content that caters to my interests. As a massive sports fan and someone who enjoys improving my knowledge, I often come across Twitter accounts that are similar to those interests. Accounts that I do not follow are the ones that gain my attention immediately. The most thrilling part of going on apps like Twitter is to see something you may not expect. This is where the algorithm comes into play and displays content similar to the users’ interests. From there, the user will choose what to do with the content. One of the readings mentioned how building a network of interest is crucial on Twitter. Due to the algorithms across Twitter, users are more likely to come across potential accounts with large follower counts of the same interests. These accounts are more likely to have a fanbase which helps form a community on Twitter. For example, I am an Arsenal fan and follow Arsenal accounts on Twitter. Arsenal fans have built a large Twitter community. Having this community makes following Arsenal more engaging and exciting.
Another algorithm strategy Guest Speaker Nitin Goyal mentioned is applying passive content to users’ feeds. Just as I do on Twitter, I happen to come across accounts that I became a loyal follower of because of the algorithm. TikTok’s content strategy differs from Twitter’s. On TikTok, the content is supposed to be lighter and more passive, meaning that users do not have to think as much. On Twitter, the content is written, requiring users to read and think more. I can relate to this as I go on Twitter to read and TikTok when I feel like scrolling without remaining focused throughout. For example, on the theme of my sporting interests, I happened to come across an NFL podcast on TikTok that I now follow. The podcast is called Caps Off. The first content I saw about their podcast was a clip from a debate among the hosts. Sports debates are something that interests me, and I found this content relatable. My dad, brother, and I often talk about sports and are passionate about our opinions. This often leads to a friendly debate among the three of us. Their content reminds me of the type of conversations in our household weekly.
