#ForYou: Algorithms & the Attention Economy

In this workshop we will:

• Learn about algorithms & examine how they shape our online experiences
• Reflect on how our personal data & online behaviors impact how we receive content
• Explore ways we can build algorithmic awareness & take back control of our attention

Image credit: Unsplash+

  This workshop is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Chisholm, A. (2021). #ForYou: Algorithms & the Attention Economy workshop. ACRL Framework for Information Literacy Sandbox. https://sandbox.acrl.org/library-collection/foryou-algorithms-attention-economy

In your small group, discuss the following questions:

• Where do you usually seek out information / get your news from?
• How do you evaluate the information / news you encounter?
• Explain like I'm 5: How do algorithms work? What do you already know? Feel free to include what you don't know!
• Where do you encounter algorithms in real life? Can you list an example?

Select one platform listed below and explore / review the details of how they personalize your experience. You may also check out SplitScreen which is an interactive comparison of personalized social feeds based on various demographics.

Please use the Exploring Personalization Algorithms worksheet to respond to questions!

Platform Personalization Details (select & review 1)

Example of social feed personalized by demographics

As a group, discuss the following reflection questions and explore one of the links below:

• Give an example of a time when one of these techniques distracted you. Did it happen during this workshop? Judgement free zone ;)
• How do algorithms and persuasive design techniques impact your online life and info / news consumption?
• Share other thoughts, ideas, & reactions to these sites or persuasive design techniques!

After your discussion, share your thoughts on the Padlet.