How the Algorithm Controls You
Every time you open your phone to check your favorite social media app, watch a video, shop online, or even read the news, something is silently working behind the scenes to decide what you see first, what you see next, and sometimes, what you do not see at all. This invisible force is called the algorithm. It may sound like a complicated computer term, but its job is quite simple—to decide what content shows up on your screen. But the impact this has on your life is far from simple. In fact, the algorithm may be shaping your thoughts, habits, feelings, and even the way you see the world without you even realizing it.
Let us break it down in a way that makes sense. Imagine you walk into a huge library with billions of books, videos, songs, and pictures. You only have a few minutes, and you want to see something interesting. You do not want to search through the whole place. So, a robot guide steps in and says, “Let me help you. I know what you like.” That robot guide is the algorithm. Based on your past choices—what you liked, clicked on, shared, or spent time watching—it decides what to show you next.
At first, this seems helpful. After all, it saves you time and gives you content that matches your interests. But the more you rely on the algorithm to guide your choices, the more power it gains over your behavior. The algorithm is not just showing you what you already like. It is learning to influence what you will like next. And because most algorithms are built to keep you watching, clicking, and scrolling for as long as possible, they often push content that is more emotional, more surprising, and more addictive.
For example, on a video platform, if you watch one video about fitness, the algorithm might suggest more videos about diets, gym routines, and healthy recipes. But if you watch a video about conspiracy theories or controversial opinions, the algorithm might send you down a path filled with similar content, even if it becomes misleading or extreme. Why? Because those videos often create strong reactions, which means you are more likely to keep watching. The algorithm does not care if the information is true or false—it only cares about keeping your attention.
On social media, the algorithm watches what posts you like, who you comment on, what stories you watch, and even how long you pause while looking at a picture. Then it arranges your feed to show more of what you engage with. If you mostly react to funny videos, you will see more humor. If you argue on political posts, you might see more of the same side, or sometimes, more posts that will make you angry—because anger also makes people stay online longer. This creates something called a “bubble.” You start seeing only one point of view. It feels like everyone agrees with you, or that the world is divided. This can increase misunderstandings between people and create tension in society.
Even online shopping is shaped by algorithms. The products you see first are not always the best or cheapest. They are the ones the algorithm thinks you are most likely to buy. It checks your browsing history, your location, your age, and even the time of day. Sometimes, people see different prices for the same product, depending on what the algorithm knows about them. This means the algorithm is not just controlling what you see—it might also be deciding how much you pay.
Now, think about dating apps, music streaming services, or even news websites. All of them use algorithms to decide what appears on your screen. Over time, you might feel like you are making your own choices, but in reality, those choices were already filtered and shaped before they ever reached you. You are not searching freely—you are being guided, like a shopper being led through a store with hidden signs that say, “Go this way.”
It is important to understand that algorithms are created by people, and they follow instructions given by companies. Most companies want to make money. So, the algorithm is designed to do whatever increases profits. That often means showing you more ads, getting you to spend more time on the app, and collecting more information about you. Yes, the algorithm watches your behavior to learn how to influence it better. In many cases, the more it knows, the more power it has over your decisions.
Does this mean algorithms are evil? Not exactly. Algorithms can also help you discover new music, find useful products, or stay connected with loved ones. They can recommend educational content, suggest life-saving medical videos, and offer personalized tools that improve your daily life. The real problem is not the algorithm itself—it is when people do not realize how much control it has over their thinking and actions.
That is why awareness is the key. Once you understand how the algorithm works, you can begin to take control back. For example, instead of just accepting the first thing that shows up on your feed, you can make the choice to explore different topics. You can check news from multiple sources, follow people with different opinions, and use the search bar instead of just scrolling. You can also go into your app settings and turn off some tracking options. This helps reduce how much data the algorithm uses to influence your behavior.
Another important thing you can do is take breaks. The more time you spend online, the more information the algorithm gathers. Taking time offline allows your mind to reset and think more freely. Talking to real people face-to-face, reading books, and spending time in nature are all ways to stay grounded in the real world, where algorithms have less control.
Parents and teachers can also play a big role. Children and teenagers grow up with the algorithm all around them. They need to be taught how to think critically about what they see online. Just because a video is popular or a post gets many likes does not mean it is the most truthful or helpful. Young minds should be encouraged to ask questions, explore different sources, and understand the hidden patterns behind what shows up on their screens.
Governments and technology companies also have a responsibility. Many experts are calling for more rules and transparency. This means users should be told clearly how the algorithm works and be given more control over it. Some platforms have already started showing “Why am I seeing this?” on certain posts or ads. That is a good start, but more needs to be done so that technology serves people, not the other way around.
In the end, the algorithm is like a mirror that reflects what you pay attention to. If you train it with curiosity, kindness, and awareness, it will offer you better results. But if you follow it blindly, it may lead you into an endless loop of distraction, anger, confusion, or fear.
So, the next time you open an app or scroll through your feed, remember that what you see is not random. It was chosen for you, based on data collected from your past behavior. Ask yourself: Do I really want this? Or is the algorithm deciding for me?
By Khushdil Khan Kasi
