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| Image Source: https://brandwidthsolutions.com/blog/navigating-social-media-algorithms-in-life-sciences/ |
Understanding Algorithms: A Math Teacher’s Perspective
As a high school math teacher, I’ve always been interested in algorithms. In the classroom, I teach students how to use step-by-step procedures to solve problems, like the long division algorithm for polynomials or the structured problem-solving methods in DeltaMath. But beyond math, algorithms shape nearly every aspect of our digital lives, from the videos we watch to the news we consume. This topic is especially relevant to me, not just as a teacher, but also as a parent.
My students are deeply engaged in social media platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram. I often hear them discussing trending videos, viral challenges, and influencer drama. They don’t always realize how much of their experience is shaped by algorithms designed to maximize their time on the platform. At the same time, my 13-year-old recently got a phone and, while he doesn't have social media yet, he is an avid YouTube watcher. Since the content recommendations on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook are all algorithm-driven, I wanted to better understand how these systems work and what influence they have on both my students and my own children.
The Power of Algorithms in Digital Spaces
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| Image Source: https://sproutsocial.com/insights/youtube-algorithm/ |
One of the most eye-opening resources I explored was PBS Learning Media’s discussion on YouTube’s recommendation algorithms. The video explains how YouTube prioritizes engagement, often pushing sensational or polarizing content to keep users watching. Even if someone starts watching harmless educational videos, they could quickly be led down a path of more extreme or misleading content. This made me think about my children’s viewing habits. While they mainly watch entertainment, video game walkthroughs, or craft challenge videos now, I need to be mindful of how the algorithm could steer them in unexpected directions.
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| Image Source: https://www.socialchamp.com/blog/facebook-algorithm/ |
Similarly, the Pew Research Center’s study on Facebook’s algorithms and personal data explores how social media platforms collect vast amounts of user data to shape the content people see. Many users assume their feeds are neutral reflections of reality, but in truth, they are highly curated by algorithms designed to keep engagement high. This is particularly concerning when I think about my students, who often take the information they see on TikTok or Snapchat at face value without questioning why it appears in their feed in the first place.
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| Image Source: https://chatsworthconsulting.com/2024/04/18/of-course-youre-biased-its-how-our-brains-work-heres-how-to-keep-it-in-check/ |
Another compelling resource I explored was the Most Likely Machine interactive experience (Artefact Group), which highlights how machine learning algorithms make predictions based on historical data and the problems that can arise when those predictions are flawed. One of the key takeaways from this resource is that algorithms do not have all the information; they rely on past data, which reflects human opinions and biases. As a result, instead of being purely objective, algorithms can actually reinforce and amplify existing biases. Even more concerning is that once an algorithm makes a prediction, whether correct or not, it tends to repeat and multiply its mistakes, further embedding bias into decision-making processes. This is especially relevant in areas like job hiring, policing, and education, where algorithm-driven systems can unintentionally deepen existing inequalities. In schools, adaptive learning platforms and AI-based grading tools may seem neutral, but if they are built on biased or incomplete data, they could unfairly advantage some students while disadvantaging others. While these technologies have the potential to improve learning experiences, they also raise important ethical concerns about fairness and accountability, reminding me that even in math, where algorithms are essential problem-solving tools, their real-world applications require careful scrutiny.
Implications for Teaching and Parenting
As a math teacher, I already incorporate algorithmic thinking into my lessons, however, this research has encouraged me to take it a step further. I plan to have more discussions with my students about how the algorithms that power their favorite social media apps work and how they can critically evaluate the content they consume. If they understand that their feeds are not just random but carefully curated based on their past behavior, they might become more skeptical and intentional about their online experiences.
As a parent, I am also more aware of how my children’s digital habits are being shaped by recommendation algorithms. While I have already made the decision to delay social media use, I now realize that YouTube’s algorithm can be just as influential. Moving forward, I plan to have ongoing conversations about why certain videos or recommendations appear, how to recognize algorithmic manipulation, and how to actively seek out diverse and high-quality sources of information.
Final Thoughts
What surprised me most was how little control users have over the algorithms that shape their online experiences. It’s easy to assume that we are making independent choices about what we watch or read, but much of what we see is curated behind the scenes. This has changed the way I think about algorithms. Not only will I be more intentional about teaching students to analyze and question algorithmic influence, but I will also be more proactive in helping my own children navigate an increasingly algorithm-driven world.
For educators, parents, and anyone navigating digital spaces, understanding algorithms is essential. I highly recommend checking out the sources I linked above to gain a deeper understanding of how these systems work. The more we know, the better we can equip ourselves and the next generation to engage with technology thoughtfully and responsibly.