Abstract

Algorithms are defined as a set of rules, sequential steps, or a series of actions that create a desired outcome. In computational and electronic terms, it’s a set of directions, written in code, that determine the actions and reactions that occur when using a computer (Farnham Street Media Inc., 2018). These algorithms are the basis of every computer search and every news feed for individual users. Algorithms-and the computer code upon which they rely-are often thought to be neutral, however truth is, they are “actually imbued with the agenda, biases, and vulnerabilities of the programmer” (Cohen, 2018). When people are only exposed to information that they perceive to be true, it reinforces their potentially conflicting views and creates polarization of ideas. In consequence, differences among individuals lead to polarization of viewpoints particularly on political matters. In fact, Michael Henry Yusingco a senior research fellow at the Ateneo Policy Center in Metro Manila articulated the apparency of this polarization in the Philippines, where social media played a significant role in advancing narratives and campaigning during the recently concluded 2022 National Election. With this in line, a research study is conducted to look into the deeper aspect of social media algorithms that affects the users’ perspectives politically. The study is imperative in providing an overview of how the social media world is redefining the set standards, principles and culture of lifestyle that has been running our society. In the interest of increased engagement, the research study focused on the most social media vulnerable users; the young people of the society that mostly be found in the field of academe, the university.

Keywords: Social media algorithms, Political, Vulnerable users