AP CSP Day 44: Symmetric Encryption
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Practice Question
A social media platform uses an algorithm to recommend news articles based on each user's reading history. Which of the following describes potential negative effects of this approach?
I. Users may primarily see articles that reinforce their existing beliefs, creating a filter bubble.
II. The algorithm may amplify popular or sensational content regardless of its accuracy.
III. The algorithm ensures every user receives a balanced, unbiased selection of perspectives.
Statement I is true: recommendation algorithms create filter bubbles by showing content similar to what users already engage with. Statement II is true: engagement-based algorithms tend to promote viral/sensational content because it generates more clicks, regardless of accuracy. Statement III is false: personalized recommendations by definition show different content to different users, making balanced exposure unlikely.
B) Statement II is also a valid negative effect, not just statement I. C) Statement III directly contradicts how recommendation algorithms work. D) Statement III is false, so not all three are correct.
Students believe algorithms are designed to provide balanced information. In practice, engagement-optimized algorithms prioritize content that keeps users clicking, which often means reinforcing existing preferences rather than broadening perspectives.
For questions about algorithmic impact, consider both the intended purpose (recommendations) and unintended consequences (filter bubbles, amplification of sensationalism).
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