this post was submitted on 27 Jul 2026
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Explain Like I'm Five

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[ELI5] Social media algorithms. Like what is the science and/or engineering behind it. (lemmy.world)
submitted 6 days ago by HoneyMustardGas@lemmy.world to c/explainlikeimfive@lemmy.world
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In layman's terms because I am technologically and academically illiterate.

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[–] Dookieman12@piefed.social 6 points 6 days ago (2 children)

The content you view also looks at you. If you look interested, you're given more of the same. If you don't look interested, you're given something else. This is repeated until your interest in the content you're viewing is maximized, then you're shown an ad with the hopes that your interest in the content will translate into interest in the advertised product. This process is repeated with no end in sight until you put your phone down.

[–] HoneyMustardGas@lemmy.world 1 points 5 days ago

I think this is the simplest explanation. Thank you.

[–] thfi@discuss.tchncs.de 2 points 6 days ago

Yes, and there are variations thereof. Some content may be shown that the platform wants to push (e.g. Elon Musk's personal posts). Then, based on what the algorithm knows about you, it will show something controversial to trigger a reaction from you (meaning you will spend more time on the platform). Finally, just random stuff will be shown to see how you will react, allowing to update the model of you.