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Misinformation, Disinformation and Digital Media Literacy: Algorithms & Echo Chambers

This guide will provide information about misinformation, disinformation, fake news and how content can be manipulated when published in electronic format. Provides strategies to determine the validity of websites, social media posts, photographs, etc.

What You See Online

What do you think impacts what you see online?  What affects the content you see on webpages, videos or social media posts?  

The answer is algorithms and it is important to know how these work and how they impact your daily lives and personal viewpoints.

Video: Algorithms & Echo Chambers

Video created by Robert Detmering, Amber Willenborg, and Terri Holtze for University of Louisville Libraries

CC BY -NC-SA 4.0

Algorithms Defined

Algorithms are mathematical equations that make search results appear in specific ways to each individual.  They determine what you see online and what you don't see. 

Algorithms value popularity (# of clicks, likes, or shares) over quality and they are trying to evoke specific emotions from you.

Critical Thinking Strategies for Dealing with Algorithms

Video created by Robert Detmering, Amber Willenborg, and Terri Holtze for University of Louisville Libraries

CC BY -NC-SA 4.0

Echo Chambers or Filter Bubbles

An echo chamber or filter bubble is an environment where an individual only encounters information or opinions that reflect and reinforce their own beliefs.

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