26 Aug Working with algorithms: An explainer
Posted
in Industry Knowledge
Everyone is always talking about “the algorithm”; “algorithm has changed!”, “the algorithm is suppressing my posts!” “What kind of algorithm are they using on this site?” But what do we mean when we talk about algorithms? If you are a data nerd like me, then you love this kind of stuff, but if you are not, the fact is that if you use the internet (particularly for business), then you need to have a basic understanding of its building blocks; and those are algorithms.
WHAT IS AN ALGORITHM?
The internet runs on algorithms, a series of tasks which have been programmed into a logical sequence. These sequences are then rendered into lines of code, the language of computers. Think of them as instructions for solving a problem or completing a task, like a recipe for making a cake or instructions on how to build a LEGO set.
All internet searching is done via algorithms that have been programmed by a human at some point. We are now at the point where self-learning and self-programming algorithms are emerging, providing further shortcuts to complete the task they have been given to do. Scary but true, it is possible that algorithms will write most, if not all, algorithms in the future, with minimal human intervention required.
The use of algorithms is spreading due to the massive amounts of data being created and hosted on the internet. It is no longer limited to search functions and sites whose only task is to sort data (think Google). All the sites that you use in the online space function because of the underlying algorithm driving them and their behaviour.
PROS AND CONS OF ALGORITHMS
Algorithms have numerous pros and cons, which those working in the machine learning space are currently grappling with. These have effects not only on people putting data into the internet but on people trying to get information out.
Algorithms are extremely powerful and the main thing they do is make sense of lots of information. They do this by working out the shortest way to get to the information that people are looking for and what their programmers have prioritised as the key or most important result. Another pro of algorithms is that they show very quickly and clearly how everything is connected; the values, desires and goals of your ordinary internet user can be mapped to get to the content they want, even if they do not know that is what they want. This connectivity is important because it demonstrates that with an appropriate code, anything and everything can be automated.
The cons of algorithms primarily focus on free speech and censorship. The unregulated use of algorithms to restrict and control the dissemination of information puts control into the hands of corporations and governments. Algorithms redefine what we think, how we think and what we know by controlling the ease at which we can access information and even what information we can access. We can see this with the heavy-handedness used in restricting content on mainstream platforms that some people may find offensive and inappropriate. There is also the issue of surveillance capitalism, where personal data (including behavioural information) is being collected and integrated into algorithms so that businesses can sell more stuff by targeting those who are in the market for their products. This mass surveillance of internet users has become so accepted that it is possible not to see and fully comprehend how powerful algorithms are at driving our everyday decisions.
HOW TO LEVERAGE ALGORITHMS FOR YOUR CONTENT
Although most algorithms are hidden from public view, change frequently and are subject to the bias of the particular site or platform, there are ways of working out what the algorithm is prioritising and adjusting your content to suit.
Each site has an audience they are targeting and requirements for what you are (and are not) allowed to post. Combine this with the expectations of site users, and the algorithm will be slightly different for each site. Remember that any site that has a search function, shows “popular content” or anything that has to be generated automatically; this is all done based on a pre-programmed algorithm. And as I said earlier, these algorithms can adjust themselves to make sure they complete the task they have been given.
Social media platforms have some of the most sophisticated algorithms to deal with the sheer quantity of content they must process every day. That is why the platform can almost seem like it is reading your mind, as it considers what you have previously viewed, your geographic location and even what device you are using. These algorithms do not only use text, but will draw on what is in the image or video not only to moderate content (eg remove posts that violate their community guidelines) but also to work out how to prioritise it for the platform users.
If you want to gain traction on a particular site, you need to think about all these elements to work out what content the algorithm powering the site is going to like best and, therefore, push in front of the people who (more than likely) want to see it. Think about the focus of the site, its users, the countries where people who use it live and what device they might use to access the site. There is no “one size fits all” solution for negotiating the algorithms driving the sites you use. It is generally a case of trial and error and doing your research to find the most successful way to work with the algorithm, as opposed to against it.
Rem Sequence is an Australian adult content creator, blogger and internationally published alt model. She has a background in psychology, philosophy and political science and has worked in health and sex education, youth work and trauma counseling for almost two decades.
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Everyone is always talking about “the algorithm”; “algorithm has changed!”, “the algorithm is suppressing my posts!” “What kind of algorithm are they using on this site?” But what do we mean when we talk about algorithms? If you are a data nerd like me, then you love this kind of stuff, but if you are not, the fact is that if you use the internet (particularly for business), then you need to have a basic understanding of its building blocks; and those are algorithms.
WHAT IS AN ALGORITHM?
The internet runs on algorithms, a series of tasks which have been programmed into a logical sequence. These sequences are then rendered into lines of code, the language of computers. Think of them as instructions for solving a problem or completing a task, like a recipe for making a cake or instructions on how to build a LEGO set.
All internet searching is done via algorithms that have been programmed by a human at some point. We are now at the point where self-learning and self-programming algorithms are emerging, providing further shortcuts to complete the task they have been given to do. Scary but true, it is possible that algorithms will write most, if not all, algorithms in the future, with minimal human intervention required.
The use of algorithms is spreading due to the massive amounts of data being created and hosted on the internet. It is no longer limited to search functions and sites whose only task is to sort data (think Google). All the sites that you use in the online space function because of the underlying algorithm driving them and their behaviour.
PROS AND CONS OF ALGORITHMS
Algorithms have numerous pros and cons, which those working in the machine learning space are currently grappling with. These have effects not only on people putting data into the internet but on people trying to get information out.
Algorithms are extremely powerful and the main thing they do is make sense of lots of information. They do this by working out the shortest way to get to the information that people are looking for and what their programmers have prioritised as the key or most important result. Another pro of algorithms is that they show very quickly and clearly how everything is connected; the values, desires and goals of your ordinary internet user can be mapped to get to the content they want, even if they do not know that is what they want. This connectivity is important because it demonstrates that with an appropriate code, anything and everything can be automated.
The cons of algorithms primarily focus on free speech and censorship. The unregulated use of algorithms to restrict and control the dissemination of information puts control into the hands of corporations and governments. Algorithms redefine what we think, how we think and what we know by controlling the ease at which we can access information and even what information we can access. We can see this with the heavy-handedness used in restricting content on mainstream platforms that some people may find offensive and inappropriate. There is also the issue of surveillance capitalism, where personal data (including behavioural information) is being collected and integrated into algorithms so that businesses can sell more stuff by targeting those who are in the market for their products. This mass surveillance of internet users has become so accepted that it is possible not to see and fully comprehend how powerful algorithms are at driving our everyday decisions.
HOW TO LEVERAGE ALGORITHMS FOR YOUR CONTENT
Although most algorithms are hidden from public view, change frequently and are subject to the bias of the particular site or platform, there are ways of working out what the algorithm is prioritising and adjusting your content to suit.
Each site has an audience they are targeting and requirements for what you are (and are not) allowed to post. Combine this with the expectations of site users, and the algorithm will be slightly different for each site. Remember that any site that has a search function, shows “popular content” or anything that has to be generated automatically; this is all done based on a pre-programmed algorithm. And as I said earlier, these algorithms can adjust themselves to make sure they complete the task they have been given.
Social media platforms have some of the most sophisticated algorithms to deal with the sheer quantity of content they must process every day. That is why the platform can almost seem like it is reading your mind, as it considers what you have previously viewed, your geographic location and even what device you are using. These algorithms do not only use text, but will draw on what is in the image or video not only to moderate content (eg remove posts that violate their community guidelines) but also to work out how to prioritise it for the platform users.
If you want to gain traction on a particular site, you need to think about all these elements to work out what content the algorithm powering the site is going to like best and, therefore, push in front of the people who (more than likely) want to see it. Think about the focus of the site, its users, the countries where people who use it live and what device they might use to access the site. There is no “one size fits all” solution for negotiating the algorithms driving the sites you use. It is generally a case of trial and error and doing your research to find the most successful way to work with the algorithm, as opposed to against it.
Rem Sequence is an Australian adult content creator, blogger and internationally published alt model. She has a background in psychology, philosophy and political science and has worked in health and sex education, youth work and trauma counseling for almost two decades.
