Algo the Robot

Have you ever noticed that if you watch a video online, another video will pop up just as the first is finishing? How do online platforms like YouTube or Facebook know what content to show us under the headline ‘Recommended for you? How do they know what we like to watch or listen to?

The answer is algorithms. Algorithms are formulas that control the online media you receive by sorting and filtering.

Meet Algo – Algo Rithm, the robot in front of you. He was handmade by local middle-schoolers from computer parts recycled from Western Michigan University. Pause the audio track now to read about Algo and the silent but powerful online force he represents. Press play when you’re ready to continue.

Algo’s pretty powerful for such a small robot, isn’t he? With formulas like this limiting what we see online based on our past interests, we’re not being exposed to diverse viewpoints and information. What are some ways that you can ‘break’ the algorithms in your life and diversify the media you see online?

Let’s move on to the next station and learn more about the forces that influence our media use. Select the corresponding track to your next station when you arrive.