Feedback Loops: Algorithmic Authority, Emergent Biases, and Implications for Information Literacy

Abstract

Algorithms have become increasingly ubiquitous in our modern, technologically driven society. Algorithmic tools that are embedded to “enhance” the user experience when information-seeking carry problematic epistemological concerns. These algorithms are developed and interjected into search tools by human beings who, consciously or not, tend to impart biases into the functionality of the information retrieval process. These search tools have become our primary arbiters of knowledge and have been granted relatively unmitigated sovereignty over our perceptions of reality and truth. This article provides broader awareness of how the bias embedded within these algorithmic systems structures users’ perception and knowledge of the world, preserving traditional power hierarchies and the marginalization of specific groups of people, and examines the implications of algorithmic search systems on information literacy instruction from a critical pedagogical perspective.

Flashing the Hazard Lights

“…Previous scholarship has examined the incorporation of critical topics related to technology within library instruction (Agosto, 2018;Cooke, 2017;Head et al, 2020;O'Hara, 2021O'Hara, , 2022Tewell, 2016), however, increased attention to educating librarians to feel confident in leading these discussions is necessary. Librarians are well-equipped to problematize and illuminate the consequences of new technologies, as they already do with information.…”

A Comparison of Online and Offline Digital Gameplay Activities in Promoting Computational Thinking in K-12 Education

“…webpage's importance based on the number of sites linking to it, to bring important search results to the top of the page [7]. Another example is long division, which follows the standard division algorithm by dividing multi-digit integers to calculate the quotient.…”

“…Its core concept is automating the problem-solving process by creating a series of systematic, logical steps. For example, Google applies the PageRank algorithm, which assigns a webpage's importance based on the number of sites linking to it, to bring important search results to the top of the page [7]. Another example is long division, which follows the standard division algorithm by dividing multi-digit integers to calculate the quotient.…”