Algorithms and Social Media Literacy for Digital Wellbeing by Young people

Abstract

Social media platforms have deeply been integrated into daily communication and information seeking patterns of young people. Algorithms are increasing shaping content access and creation in social media with users increasingly exposed to algorithmically curated information.  Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology has been integrated into social media algorithms to optimize users’ experience. Social media users may not fully comprehend algorithmic mechanisms and there is therefore need for social media literacy programmes to enhance algorithmic understanding and critical engagement in digital spaces as users choose and search contents that meets their needs. This article employs use and gratification theory to examine social media platforms mostly used by students and assess their awareness of algorithmic curation used to mediate social media interactions. The paper concludes that interventions on social media literacy will enable users to manage engagements while searching and sharing information in digital spaces.