Activity: Mapping Algorithmic Influence
Purpose
This activity will help you visualize how algorithms influence the flow of information you encounter across both search engines and social media.
Part 1: Your Search Journey
- Select a topic and perform a Google search while logged in.
- Record the following:
- Your exact search query
- The top 5 results (titles + URLs)
- Any notable features (ads, featured snippets, videos, etc.)
- Repeat the search in an incognito/private window. Record the same details.
- Next, search for the same topic on a social media platform you use (e.g., TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, or X/Twitter).
- Record the following:
- The top 5 posts/videos/accounts that appear
- The type of content (news article, influencer video, meme, ad, etc.)
- Any notable features (sponsored posts, trending tags, suggested accounts, etc.)
Part 2: Mapping Your Results
- On a piece of paper, create a network map with three columns or nodes:
- Search Query (your original words)
- Algorithmic Factors (e.g., personalization, location, trending topics, past activity, popularity)
- Displayed Results (sources, authors, platforms, or creators that appear)
- Draw arrows from the algorithmic factors to the displayed results to show possible influences.
Part 3: Reflection Questions
- Which results stayed the same between Google (regular vs. private) searches? Which changed?
- How did the results on the social media platform compare to Google’s results?
- What algorithmic factors might explain the differences across platforms?
- Did certain platforms, creators, or perspectives dominate your results? Why might that be?
- How might you adjust your strategy to get a broader or different set of sources?
Submission
If you would like credit for your work to earn gems towards the Mapping the Information Landscape badge, do either of the following:
