Abstract/Pitch

What role do algorithms play in shaping public narratives (in journalism)?

During an era in which digital platforms increasingly mediate news consumption, algorithms have become central to shaping public narratives in journalism. These automated systems—designed to filter, prioritize, and recommend content—influence which stories gain visibility, how they are framed, and how audiences engage with them. Whilst these algorithms are optimized for engagement and personalization, they also introduce biases that can amplify certain narratives while marginalizing others. This raises pressing concerns about editorial control, misinformation, media pluralism, and public discourse.

Through Unit 2, I aim to explore the mechanisms through which algorithms curate news, analyzing their impact on journalistic integrity and audience perception. This project will examine how algorithmic preferences (driven by factors such as user behavior, platform incentives, and data patterns) affect the diversity and objectivity of information. Through case studies and data analysis, this research project will investigate instances where algorithms have shaped public understanding of major events, highlighting the potential consequences for democratic societies.

Furthermore, this project will consider ethical and regulatory challenges within algorithm-driven journalism, questioning who actually holds accountability for the narratives that emerge. It evaluates strategies for increasing transparency and avoiding or reducing algorithmic biases, instead offering recommendations for journalists, media organizations, and policymakers to ensure a more equitable and informed public sphere. Ultimately, in Unit 2, I will be seeking to illuminate the unseen forces influencing modern journalism and propose pathways toward greater accountability in digital news dissemination.

In order to send word of my research project out, I created a Google Form (https://forms.gle/k7eu8hed71kpUkHM7) containing thought-provoking multiple choice questions that each related to my chosen question in some way. I then posted it to my social media platforms in order to gain responses. Since my intended audience for this project is primarily young adults, I felt that using Instagram and other similar such sites would reach my targets—most of my following on there falls between the age range of 17-22.

Below is a screenshot of me sending the form out to my intended audience:

Some examples of the questions I asked:












Comments

  1. AnonymousMarch 6, 2025 at 9:02 AM

    This is a great pitch. You have a well-rounded breakdown of your project and it's very engaging. One blog layout suggestion I have is to label your unit 2 posts. There is a label feature so you can tag your posts and organize them for each unit. Other than that, I really like your work, and you seem to meet all other criteria. - Kayla Hennessey

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