How Social Media Algorithms Influence the Way Users Decide - Perspectives of Social Media Users and Practitioners
![handle is hein.journals/techssj57 and id is 69 raw text is: Technium Social Sciences Journal
Vol. 57, 69-81, May, 2024
ISSN: 2668-7798
SOCIAL SCIENCES JOURNAL www.techniumscience.com
How social media algorithms influence the way users decide -
Perspectives of social media users and practitioners
Gabriela Poleac, Alexandra-Niculina Ghergut-Babii
Alexandru loan Cuza University Iasi, Romania
gabriela.poleac4 11gmail.com, alexandra.babiikyahoo.com
Abstract. This study dives into the perspectives of social media users and practitioners on the
impact of social media algorithms, with a focus on data curation, real-time personalization, and
FOMO (fear of missing out). This research, which was conducted through two exploratory focus
groups, uncovered the nuanced dynamics underlying users' engagement with algorithms. The
study of the literature emphasizes the importance of algorithms as gatekeepers in affecting online
interactions, decision-making, and information intake. Our work, which is based on information
foraging theory, reveals how algorithms, through characteristics such as FOMO, personalized
content distribution, and the appearance of choice, profoundly shape users' decision-making
processes in the digital arena. Understanding these distinguishing characteristics reveals the
psychological and behavioral elements that contribute to consumers' continuous reliance on
social media platforms. This study adds to the larger conversation about the societal implications
of algorithmic influence and provides useful insights for researchers, practitioners, and
policymakers navigating the ever-evolving landscape of digital interactions.
Keywords. Information Foraging Theory; Social Media Algorithms; Digital Influence;
Decision-making Processes; Fear of missing out
Introduction
There is no doubt that social media platforms are a key element in the digitalization of
society. People's decision-making abilities, and formation of beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors
are all affected by these new means of communication. As a result, social media is responsible
for the large-scale impact on social groups, financial institutions, and political communication.
Social networking sites, such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, are only a few examples of
platforms that give users a space to disseminate content to a broad or specific audience as they
see fit.
These social media platforms have become tainted over time with algorithms that can
hijack conversations, influence other users' decisions, and manipulate the distribution of
content. Thus, the reliability of electronic information is gaining more and more attention in
modern discourse [1], so the present study will examine various facets of Web credibility and
the perspectives of social media users and practitioners concerning their decision-making
abilities in the online environment. An individual's knowledge and capacity to select reliable
information sources will determine their ability to deal with problems caused by their physical
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How Social Media Algorithms Influence the Way Users Decide - Perspectives of Social Media Users and Practitioners
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