AGUSAN DEL SUR STATE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY

The Politics of Algorithms: How Social Media Shapes Public Opinion

In Partial Fulfilment

In requirements

In GE 03 The Contemporary World

Niña Karla L. Ebon

Bridgeth Zizah P. Montalban

Researchers

Mrs. Rowena Angwas

Course Instructor

December, 2024

CHAPTER 1
 Introduction

A. Introduction to the topic

In today’s increasingly digital and interconnected world, social media plays a

crucial role in shaping public opinion and influencing political discourse. It is no longer

surprising that the widespread use of social media has gained the title of global

connectivity. Due to the large number of ideas, thoughts, and opinions that are shared

on social media, these platforms are persuasive and frequently try to alter or influence

beliefs on political views. In particular, the spread of “algorithmic public opinion” refers to

the worry that algorithmic systems would upend established trends in the creation of

public and individual opinions. Few analyses looked at this problem from a holistic,

multidisciplinary policy perspective (SocArXiv, 2022). Nowadays, social media platforms

play a major role in mediating how individuals obtain new and informative content,

which in turn shapes their political and social opinions. Their algorithms serve as new

kinds of gatekeepers that significantly influence how people individually and collectively

access information. (Gandini, 2022).

The rise of social media has radically altered how people communicate, obtain

information, and participate in political discussions. With billion of users worldwide,

social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media

platforms have become powerful instruments for affecting public opinion and political

discourse. This research will look at how social media affects individuals’ perceptions

and understanding about politics, the possible benefits and drawbacks of this new for of

communication, and the broader consequences for society and democracy.

H1: Is there significant impact on how social media shape’s public opinion in

politics or algorithm?

Q1: How do these factors interact to shape the information environment and

subsequent public discourse?

C. Purpose or Objective of the paper

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how algorithmic curation and political

manipulation interact to influence public opinion on social media platforms. Through the

examination of political players' tactics and algorithmic filtering mechanisms, this study

aims to comprehend how these factors influence the information people are exposed to

and, in turn, how they perceive current affairs and political concerns. In the end, this

research will advance our knowledge of the intricate relationships that exist in the digital

age between politics, technology, and public opinion.

Review of Related Literature

A. Overview of Existing Research

In recent years, the intersection of social media, algorithms, and public opinion

has garnered significant attention from researchers, politicians, and the general public.

The rise of social media as a dominant platform for communication has dramatically

altered how information is disseminated and consumed. Algorithms, which govern the

content that users see, play a crucial role in shaping public discourse and opinion. This

paper will explore the influence of social media algorithms on public sentiment and

political engagement, drawing on recent research conducted between 2018 and 2023.

One of the core functions of social media algorithms is to personalize user

experiences by curating content that aligns with individual interests and past behaviors.

According to Smith et al. (2021), social media platforms employ sophisticated machine

learning techniques to analyze user data, which results in echo chambers where

individuals are primarily exposed to information that reinforces their existing beliefs. This

phenomenon can lead to polarization, as users become trapped within ideological

bubbles, isolating themselves from diverse viewpoints. For instance, Smith et al. (2021)

highlight that during electoral campaigns, such algorithms can accentuate partisan

divides, as users are shown content that aligns with their political preferences, thereby

reinforcing their beliefs and potentially influencing their voting behavior.

Research has also shown that these algorithms can contribute to the spread of

misinformation, further complicating the landscape of public opinion. According to

sensationalist or misleading content because they generate higher interaction rates.

This prioritization creates a scenario where factual information can be overshadowed by

emotionally charged or misleading narratives, leading to a distorted public

understanding of critical issues. Their study illustrates that during significant events

such as the COVID-19 pandemic and various political elections, misinformation

disseminated through social media platforms shaped public perceptions and responses

in detrimental ways.

Moreover, the role of algorithms in public opinion shaping extends to the political

mobilization of users. Research by Johnson and Tan (2023) emphasizes that while

algorithms can foster engagement and organize activism, they also possess the ability

to suppress dissenting voices. Their analysis of protest movements reveals that while

some content promoting social causes can go viral through algorithmic amplification,

contrary narratives or calls for opposing actions may be downplayed or hidden. This

duality highlights the power of algorithms in determining which social movements gain

traction and which are marginalized. Algorithms can thus inadvertently create a

hierarchy of social interests, shaping public priorities and the political landscape.

The influence of algorithms on public opinion is not merely an academic concern;

it carries significant real-world implications. As highlighted by Davis et al. (2020), the

potential for algorithmic biases to skew public discourse raises ethical questions about

the responsibility of social media companies. They argue that platform designers must

be aware of the societal impact of their algorithms and consider implementing

safeguards to mitigate harmful effects, such as misinformation and polarization. This

perspectives, which could help counteract the isolating effects of current social media

practices.

B. Key Theories and concepts related to the topic

According to the agenda-setting theory, which was created by McCombs and

Shaw in 1972, the media greatly shapes public opinion by deciding what subjects are

considered crucial for public conversation. According to this hypothesis, the media has

a significant influence on how people think, even though it may not directly control their

thoughts. Media outlets effectively shape the public agenda by giving priority to

particular topics, events, or narratives through selective coverage and emphasis.

Agenda-setting on social media also includes algorithm-driven content curating. Using

interaction indicators like likes, shares, and comments, algorithms rank and emphasize

particular themes. Users' perceptions of importance are influenced by this selective

visibility, which frequently directs public attention towards divisive or current issues.

The Filter-Bubble Theory, first presented by Eli Pariser in his 2011 book The

Filter Bubble: What the Internet Is Hiding from You, explains a phenomenon whereby

digital platforms' algorithms tailor the content that users see according to their prior

interactions, preferences, and behaviors. These algorithms isolate users from different

points of view and opposing opinions by selecting content in ways that support their

preexisting interests, values, and preferences. By exposing people to identical concepts

and stories over and over again, this "bubble" produces an echo chamber effect that

might narrow their perspective and reinforce their prejudices. The filter-bubble theory
emphasizes how algorithmic curating on social media can have a big impact on public

opinion and political discourse. Algorithms may inadvertently increase polarization and

widen ideological gaps by giving preference to particular kinds of material, frequently

ones intended to maximize user interaction.

C. Gaps in the Literature

Social media has become a cornerstone of contemporary communication,

serving as a platform where millions of users interact, share opinions, and influence one

another. Despite the growing recognition of its impact, there remains a significant gap in

understanding the intricate mechanisms by which social media algorithms shape public

opinion. Algorithms filter, prioritize, and present content, yet how these processes

influence political beliefs and opinions requires further investigation. Research by

Johnson et al. (2022) highlights that while some studies have examined social media's

role in shaping public discourse, the specific influence of algorithm-driven content

curation on political polarization remains largely unexplored.

This gap presents an opportunity for researchers to delve deeper into how

algorithms govern the flow of information and, consequently, opinions. Existing literature

often addresses the role of social media in broad terms, but few studies specifically

analyze the relationship between algorithmic design and political cognition. For

instance, Smith and Martinez (2023) found correlations between algorithmic changes

and fluctuations in public sentiment but did not explore the underlying reasons for these

correlations. Therefore, a comprehensive study that systematically investigates the

mechanisms of algorithmic influence on public opinion can provide critical insights into
the dynamics of contemporary political discourse. Moreover, the literature lacks a

diverse global perspective on these issues. Much of the existing research has focused

on Western contexts, overlooking how different cultural and political environments

interact with social media algorithms to shape public opinion. Liu and Chen (2021)

emphasize this limitation, noting that cross-cultural assessments of algorithmic influence

are crucial for understanding the wider implications of social media on global public

opinion. Conducting comparative studies across various political and social landscapes

can illuminate how different populations perceive algorithmic content and how this

perception shapes their political views.

Furthermore, ethical considerations regarding the influence of algorithms on

public opinion remain underexplored. As highlighted by Thompson (2020), there are

serious implications for democracy and civic engagement when algorithms can

manipulate information. However, the existing literature tends to focus on technical

aspects of algorithms rather than their ethical ramifications. It is imperative for future

research to address how algorithmic biases and transparency (or the lack thereof) affect

public trust in information sources and subsequently influence political participation.

Finally, the temporal dynamics of social media influence warrant further

examination. Many studies, such as the one by El-Sayed & Dunn (2023), have provided

snapshots of social media's impact during specific events or election cycles. However,

the longitudinal impacts of algorithms on public opinion, including shifts before, during,

and after critical political events, have not been thoroughly researched. Understanding

these temporal dynamics can shed light on how social media platforms act as catalysts

for changes in public opinion over time.

Methodology

A. Research Approach

This chapter covers the presentation of the research design, research

instruments, data-analysis technique, statistical tools, and ethical considerations.

Research Design This study will use quantitative research, specifically descriptive

Research design. Quantitative research involves the systematic collection, analysis, and

interpretation of numerical data to answer research questions or test hypotheses. This

approach typically employs structured research methods, such as surveys,

experiments, or observational studies, to gather data that can be quantified and

statistically analyzed. Quantitative research aims to identify patterns, relationships, or

trends within the data, often using statistical techniques to generalize findings to a larger

population. It emphasizes objectivity, reliability, and replicability, allowing researchers to

draw conclusions based on empirical evidence and statistical analysis rather than

subjective interpretations (Bhandari, 2023). On the other hand, descriptive research

design is a kind of study that seeks to precisely define and explain the traits, actions, or

occurrences under investigation. It is perfect for giving a thorough rundown or synopsis

of a certain subject because it focusses on delivering answers to the "what" of a

research issue rather than the "why." Without changing any variables, this design is

frequently employed to find correlations, patterns, and trends within a particular

environment. Providing a thorough and lucid understanding of the topic is the main goal

of descriptive research, which may then be used as a basis for more research or
decision-making. It is especially helpful in studies that aim to observe and record current

situations or practices, frequently with the use of instruments like surveys, observations,

or data analysis.

B. Data Collection Methods

Data collection methods Information from reliable internet sources will be

gathered for secondary data analysis in this study. This approach entails locating and

examining pre-existing data that is pertinent to the research issue, including reports,

research papers, articles, government websites, and statistics databases. To guarantee

the validity of the results, sources will be chosen based on their dependability,

correctness, and applicability. To find patterns, themes, and trends, content analysis will

be used to arrange and examine the material. This method works well for studies that

use digital data because it enables thorough and effective data collecting without

requiring direct contact with respondents.

C. Data Analysis Techniques

Statistical analysis techniques will be used to interpret and describe the results of

this quantitative study. A summary of the gathered data will be provided by descriptive

statistics, including frequencies, percentages, and measures of central tendency (mean,

median, and mode). Inferential statistical techniques, like regression analysis or

correlation, will be used, if appropriate, to find patterns or relationships between

variables. Software tools like Microsoft Excel or statistical packages like SPSS will be

used to ensure accuracy and efficiency in the study. By using these methods, numerical
data may be interpreted objectively, which will help the study address its particular

problems and reach reliable results.

Davis, J., Clark, L., & Patel, R. (2020). Ethical considerations in algorithm-driven social
media platforms. Journal of Digital Ethics, 5(2), 45-62. - Johnson, T., & Tan, H.
(2023).

Algorithmic influence on social movements: Mobilization and suppression on social

Nguyen, P., & Evans, M. (2022). The role of misinformation in shaping public opinion
during political campaigns. American Political Science Review, 116(1), 123-140.

Smith, A., Brown, K., & Lee, T. (2021). Echo chambers and political polarization in
social media. Journal of Communication Research, 30(3), 301-320.

Johnson, A., Smith, T., & Lee, P. (2022). Algorithmic Governance and Political
Discourse: Evaluating the Impact of Social Media Algorithms on Public Opinion.
Journal of Digital Politics, 15(4), 341-368.

Smith, R., & Martinez, L. (2023). Social Media Sentiment Analysis and Algorithmic
Impact: A Study of Recent Political Events. Journal of Social Media Studies, 10(1),
20-35.

Liu, X., & Chen, Y. (2021). Global Perspectives on Social Media and Public Opinion:
Algorithmic Influences in Different Cultures. International Journal of Communication,
15(2), 505-523.

Thompson, G. (2020). Ethics in the Age of Algorithms: The Role of Social Media in
Political Manipulation. Ethics and Information Technology, 22(2), 99-111.

El-Sayed, H., & Dunn, A. (2023). Temporal Dynamics of Social Media Influence in
Political Contexts. Political Communication Review