Let’s face it social media has become both a blessing and a curse. It’s where we catch up on the news, connect with loved ones, and even discover our next favourite recipe. But it’s also a breeding ground for something far more dangerous: misinformation.

The problem isn’t just that misinformation exists. It’s how often we run into it; about half of social media users across 40 countries encounter false or misleading information weekly. Let that sink in. It’s not just a fluke or an occasional slip; it’s a full-blown crisis.

At the centre of this issue lies a hidden culprit: social media algorithms. These are the mysterious formulas that decide what you see on your feed. Think of them as invisible DJs, spinning content based on what they think you want to engage with. Sounds cool, right? Until you realise these algorithms are also pushing content that aligns with your biases, even if it’s false or harmful.

Algorithms: The Black Box We All Live In

Here’s the kicker: most of us have no clue how these algorithms work. It’s like driving a car without knowing what’s under the hood. Sure, you get from point A to point B, but you’re completely in the dark about the process.

This lack of understanding leaves us vulnerable. How can you critically evaluate content when you don’t even know why it’s showing up in your feed? Enter the need for algorithmic knowledge—basically, understanding how these systems work, how they’re fueled by our data, and how they influence the information we see.

But does knowing how algorithms work make a difference? Turns out, it does.

What the Research Tells Us

A recent study, published by the Harvard Kennedy School Misinformation Review, tackled this exact question. Researchers surveyed over 5,000 people across the United States, the United Kingdom, South Korea, and Mexico to see how algorithmic knowledge affects attitudes toward misinformation. The findings were fascinating:

1. Knowledge Equals Vigilance: People who understood how algorithms work were more likely to recognise misinformation and take action. They left comments exposing biases, shared counter-narratives, and even reported misleading posts. In short, understanding the game made them better players.
2. Not Everyone Gets It: Here’s where it gets tricky, algorithmic knowledge isn’t equally distributed. Younger people tend to grasp it better than older generations. Education matters, too. More educated individuals are generally more aware of how these systems operate.
3. A New Digital Divide: The study also revealed something unexpected. Even though South Korea has one of the highest rates of internet use globally, it ranked lowest among the four countries in algorithmic knowledge. This shows that access to the internet isn’t enough—knowing how to navigate it is just as important

Why This Matters

So, what does all this mean for you and me? It means there’s a new kind of inequality at play. Those who understand algorithms are better equipped to spot misinformation and avoid falling into echo chambers. Those who don’t? They’re more likely to believe everything they see online and spread it.

This isn’t just a personal problem. It’s a societal one. When misinformation spreads, it fuels polarisation, erodes trust, and even undermines democracy.

What Can Be Done?

We believe the solution starts with education. Here’s what needs to happen:

1. Teach People About Algorithms: If everyone understood how social media platforms curate their feeds, they’d be better equipped to question what they see rather than blindly accept it. Schools, workplaces, and community programs can play a huge role in building this awareness.
2. Hold Platforms Accountable: Social media companies need to step up. They should be transparent about how their algorithms work and why certain content is pushed to users. It’s not enough to say, “This is how it is.” They owe us an explanation.
3. Create Tailored Programs: One-size-fits-all doesn’t work here. Education efforts need to be tailored to different groups. Older adults may need basic digital literacy skills, while younger users might benefit from deep dives into how algorithms curate content.

Why This Fight Matters

The digital world isn’t slowing down. Technology is evolving at a very fast pace, making it easier than ever to create and spread false information. If we don’t act now, the problem will only get worse.

The good news? This is a fight we can win. In understanding the role algorithms play, we can take control of our digital experiences, push back against misinformation, and build a more informed society. Whether it’s through research, advocacy, or education, we’re working to ensure that technology serves as a tool for truth not a weapon of deception.