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How Algorithms Shape Identity and Political Reality

We love to say social media is about “connection,” and sure, sometimes it is. But if I’m being honest, it’s also kind of a giant data machine watching everything we do. Every like, every comment, every share even the posts we pause on for a few seconds gets tracked. That information isn’t just sitting there. It’s being analyzed to predict what we’ll click on next and to build a feed that keeps us scrolling. And while that personalization feels convenient (because yes, I do like seeing things tailored to me), it also slowly boxes us in. We start seeing more of what we already agree with and less of anything that challenges us. Over time, that can seriously deepen political divides.

What’s even more concerning is that algorithms don’t prioritize what’s accurate they prioritize what gets attention. Emotional, dramatic, or controversial content spreads faster because it keeps people engaged. That means misinformation can travel quicker than thoughtful reporting. And when that happens, our online identities start to feel performative. We post what gets validated. We engage with what gets visibility. So instead of social media reflecting who we are, it’s subtly shaping us — all within systems built to maximize profit.

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This TED Talk explains how engagement-driven algorithms prioritize emotional reactions, outrage, and sensationalism because those responses generate more advertising revenue. The video connects to this week’s readings by demonstrating how algorithmic design decisions influence political discourse, amplify misinformation, and shape online identities. It reinforces the idea that social media platforms are not neutral spaces—they are structured environments built around profit.

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This image represents how everyday smartphone use is deeply intertwined with data collection. Social media platforms track clicks, likes, time spent on posts, and even pauses in scrolling. What feels like casual browsing actually feeds algorithmic systems that shape what we see, how we think, and sometimes even how we vote. The visual highlights how privacy, identity, and politics intersect in subtle but powerful ways.

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“We’re building a dystopia just to make people click on ads.”

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Meta’s AI Expansion Raises New Privacy Questions

https://www.wired.com/story/meta-ai-privacy-data-concerns/

This article discusses how Meta’s expanding AI systems rely on massive amounts of user data, raising concerns about consent, surveillance, and transparency. It connects directly to this week’s themes of online privacy and how tech companies shape digital identity through algorithmic data collection.