DIGITAL LIFE

How do algorithms shape what we see online? This new European campaign helps us understand

Launched by the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) and its network of 14 national hubs, the “Be smart online” campaign aims to alert the public to how algorithms shape our experience on the Internet, offering important advice on how to get out of information “bubbles”.

As the organisation, which includes the Iberian Digital Media Observatory (Iberifier), highlights, recommendation algorithms, used by digital platforms to personalise the online experience, can help find information and content that is of interest to users.

However, these algorithms also limit access to different perspectives, in addition to amplifying the spread of false information and reinforcing prejudices.

Given that “misinformation often provokes a strong emotional reaction and leads to its sharing in a moment of indignation, enthusiasm or disbelief”, “algorithms can be exploited to amplify this type of content, by interpreting it as something people want to see”, explains the campaign.

By only showing content that we agree with, algorithms help to create information “bubbles”. To help users get out of these “bubbles”, EDMO (https://edmo.eu/beonlinesmart/) also provides a set of important tips, including diversifying sources of information, reading beyond the headlines on social media, questioning viral content and learning to recognize credible sources.

The campaign is available on the organization’s website, with several versions in the different languages ​​of its members, including Portuguese.

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