What People Mean When They Say "The Algorithm"
If you missed the first post about what algorithms are in general, you can read it here.
Have you ever heard someone blame "The Algorithm" for something? Maybe they're complaining about not seeing their friends' posts on social media, or why certain videos keep appearing in their recommendations, or even why they can't seem to get past the first round of job applications.
But what exactly is this mysterious force that seems to control so much of our digital lives?
The Myth of "The Algorithm"
When people refer to "The Algorithm," they're usually talking about a complex system that makes decisions about what content to show them or how to process their information. It's become a catch-all term, almost mystical in nature – an invisible hand guiding our digital experiences.
The truth is both simpler and more complex: there is no single "algorithm." Instead, modern digital platforms use intricate systems of multiple algorithms working together, often powered by machine learning models that continuously evolve based on data.
What They Actually Mean
When someone says "the algorithm," they're usually referring to one of these scenarios:
1. Content Recommendation Systems
"Instagram's algorithm doesn't show me my friends' posts anymore!"
What they mean: The content ranking systems on social media platforms prioritize content based on numerous factors including:
- Your past engagement history
- How often you interact with specific accounts
- Content popularity
- Time spent on similar content
- Recency of posts
These systems are designed to maximize engagement, not necessarily to show you a chronological feed of everything from everyone you follow.
2. Search Engine Rankings
"Google's algorithm doesn't put my website at the top!"
What they mean: The complex set of ranking factors (reportedly over 200 of them) that determine which websites appear in search results for specific queries, including:
- Relevance to search terms
- Website authority and backlink profile
- User experience metrics
- Mobile-friendliness
- Page load speed
- Content quality
3. Automated Decision Systems
"The algorithm rejected my loan application!"
What they mean: Machine learning models that make or assist with decisions based on historical data, looking at factors like:
- Credit history
- Income levels
- Demographic information
- Past behavior patterns
- Statistical correlations with outcomes
Why We Personify Algorithms
There's something psychologically satisfying about blaming "the algorithm" rather than the complex reality. It gives us:
A concrete target for frustration: It's easier to be angry at "the algorithm" than at a nuanced system of technological, business, and societal factors.
A sense of helplessness that removes responsibility: If an all-powerful algorithm controls what we see, we're not responsible for our media diet or digital habits.
A simplified explanation for complex changes: It's easier to say "the algorithm changed" than to understand evolving business models, user behavior shifts, and technological advancements.
The Reality Behind the Curtain
What we call "The Algorithm" is actually:
- Teams of engineers and data scientists making design choices
- Business objectives driving optimization targets (engagement, revenue, retention)
- Multiple competing algorithms working together in a complex system
- Constant experimentation and iteration based on user behavior
- Your own actions and behavior feeding back into the system
How to Think About Algorithms More Accurately
Rather than viewing "the algorithm" as a mystical force controlling your digital life, consider it as:
A mirror reflecting your own behavior – most recommendation systems amplify your existing preferences and behaviors
A business tool optimizing for specific outcomes – usually time spent, engagement, and ultimately revenue
A complex, evolving system that changes based on the collective behaviors of millions of users
Something you can influence through conscious usage patterns and feedback mechanisms
Taking Back Control
If you feel at the mercy of "The Algorithm," here are some ways to regain agency:
Be conscious of your engagement patterns – what you click, watch, like, and comment on shapes future recommendations
Use platform tools like "not interested" buttons, content preferences, and feed controls
Take breaks from platforms to reset recommendation patterns
Diversify your information sources rather than relying on algorithm-driven feeds
Learn the basics of how these systems actually work
Final Thoughts
The next time you hear someone blame "The Algorithm," remember that they're referring to a complex, human-designed system optimizing for specific goals – not an all-powerful AI making arbitrary decisions about your digital life.
Understanding this distinction helps us move from passive consumption to more intentional engagement with technology. While we can't control all aspects of these systems, we're not completely at their mercy either.
The algorithm isn't some mystical force – it's a reflection of human decisions, business priorities, and ultimately, our own collective behavior.
In the next post, we'll talk about the different goals of all the various actors shaping "The Algorithm", how they may or may not be in alignment with your own personal goals, and what you can do about it.
