Escape Algorithm

There’s no algorithm to navigate the complexities of reality.

Photo by Alexander Shatov on Unsplash

My husband recently asked me how I discover new music in this digital age. I instinctively replied, “Google, of course.” Whenever I hear about a new artist or song, I simply do a Google search for more information. His question piqued my curiosity, leading me to ask, “What made you ask?”

To give some context, my husband, Mike, works in finance but has a true passion for education. For over 17 years, he has dedicated Monday evenings to mentoring high school students from underprivileged backgrounds through a nonprofit organization with a 100% success rate in college placements. We support this organization, including establishing a scholarship in our son Lucas's name.

Mike started his journey with this organization as a mentor. After a few years, he became responsible for summer programs, an initiative that sends high school sophomores and juniors to attend week-long sessions organized by various colleges and universities during the summer break. This opportunity gives these students their first taste of college life.

For many of these kids, who are often the first in their families to consider college, and whose families may not be familiar with the U.S. college application process, the summer programs offer a valuable "dress rehearsal." They prepare these high school students for the college application process they will face as seniors.

The non-profit organization has developed strong working relationships with several colleges and universities. As a result, it typically provides high school students interested in attending summer programs with a "partner list." However, Mike encourages these program mentees to look beyond the "partner list" to find the summer program that best meets their individual needs. He has guided them through the application process and even helped them book their trips.

After nearly two decades of working with high school students, Mike has noticed a significant change. Ten years ago, about two-thirds of the students in the program would choose summer programs outside of the "partner list." These students did their research and found schools that aligned more closely with their individual goals.

In recent years, though, there has been a striking shift. Fewer students are exploring options beyond the "partner list," and they are increasingly relying solely on it for their summer program choices. This trend has raised concerns for Mike, prompting him to investigate the reasons behind it.

After speaking with several mentees, he discovered that many students from generations accustomed to smartphones and social media lack research skills. They tend to follow recommendations based on the algorithms of their social media platforms, relying heavily on the curated "for you" pages rather than conducting independent research.

The algorithm serves as the backbone of social media, determining the content that captures your attention, garners visibility, and goes viral, while also revealing the vast quantities of material that disappear into the digital black hole— that overwhelming flow of posts that fail to connect. This sophisticated algorithm curates your feed based on various factors, tracking your interactions, such as the posts you like, share, comment on, and even those you linger on for just a moment longer.

Insiders reveal a telling insight: when a post gains a surge of likes and comments shortly after publication, the algorithm is inclined to promote it further. This creates a compelling cycle where popular content receives increased visibility, while less engaging posts get lost in the social media noise.

I've noticed this in my own interactions with social media. I primarily use X.com (formerly known as Twitter). Although I follow over 300 individuals on X, I typically see activity—meaning tweets, likes, and replies—from only about 10 people in my daily feed. These 10 individuals have hundreds of thousands of followers, and virtually every tweet they post can easily garner hundreds or thousands of likes and retweets because X.com's algorithm amplifies content from popular creators.

You may wonder if there is any harm if our social media feed is driven by algorithm-curated “recommendations.” I’d argue that the negative effect of this approach is at least two-fold. The most significant downside of algorithm-curated lists and recommendations is that users are restricted to consuming content that the algorithm chooses to promote. Since these algorithms are created and controlled by humans, their biases and preferences inevitably influence the type of content that is either amplified or suppressed. A notorious example of this occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, when any content discussing the lab leak theory of the virus's origin or questioning vaccine efficacy was suppressed. It was almost as if people who held those views were kept out of public squares and silenced in digital gulag.

My husband’s insights highlighted a significant downside to algorithm-curated content: young people raised in this algorithm-driven landscape have become reliant on information being handed to them. They lack the skills or desire to research and discover alternative viewpoints. At a time when curiosity about new and even controversial ideas should be flourishing, they seem comfortable allowing an invisible force—an algorithm—to shape their perceptions and beliefs. It’s as if they are content to live in a version of *The Truman Show*, where their lives are subtly controlled and broadcasted without their awareness.

A troubling illustration of this trend occurred after the horrific attacks by Hamas against Israelis on October 7, 2023. Many young individuals responded by blaming Israel and expressing support for Hamas, largely influenced by TikTok—a platform popular among Western youth that is developed in China. The app’s algorithm heavily promotes anti-Israel content, shaping opinions without users realizing it.

Algorithms now dictate much of our lives, particularly impacting young minds negatively. It’s crucial to liberate ourselves from their grip, not only for our individual well-being but for the future of humanity itself.

My perspective on smartphones in schools has undergone a significant transformation. Initially, I was skeptical about imposing a ban on smartphones in educational environments. However, after understanding the detrimental effects that smartphones and social media can have on young minds, I now strongly advocate for a complete ban on smartphones in all schools.

However, banning smartphones is just the first step. As adults with young people in our lives, we must lead by example. By reducing our own social media use and prioritizing reading physical books, we can inspire youth to do the same. Research shows that reading from books enhances information retention. Additionally, there are many benefits of reading classics. Here is a quote from C.S. Lewis:

Moreover, being genuinely present for young individuals is crucial. I believe many children turn to the Internet out of loneliness. Therefore, if you have a young person in your life, cherish the moments you share. We should not accept their brief responses, like “fine,” at face value. Instead, let’s engage them by asking open-ended questions, teaching them essential research skills, introducing them to captivating books, taking them outdoors, and encouraging them to find joy and fulfillment beyond the superficial allure of algorithm-driven content.

Ultimately, it’s not merely about reducing screen time; it’s about immersing them in meaningful activities that promote their growth and development. Guiding them through life's challenges is essential, as they need to learn to confront tough decisions; there’s no algorithm to navigate the complexities of reality for them.