How algorithms shape what you see on social media?

Social media uses algorithms to decide which posts you see, just like a friendly robot picking your favorite toys to show you.

Imagine you're in a toy store with thousands of toys, some are new, some are old, and most are just there. But instead of looking at all the toys, you have a friend who knows what you like. This friend watches what you pick and shows you more of those kinds of toys. That's how algorithms work on social media, they watch what you click on, comment on, or share, then show you more things that are similar.

The robot (or algorithm) pays attention to:

• What you like most (your favorite toy)
• Who you talk to (your best friend in the store)
• What time of day you're there (maybe you come after school)

It tries to give you the toys that will make you happiest, just like your friend wants you to have fun.

If you ignore some toys or don't pick them up, the robot might think those aren’t as fun and show you fewer of them, just like how your friend might bring a new toy if they notice you're tired.