{"title":"Internet search algorithms: use of metadata, literacy and algorithmic education in the human–computer interaction","authors":"Efraín Alfredo Barragán-Perea, Javier Tarango","doi":"10.1108/dlp-01-2024-0009","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"\nPurpose\nThis paper aims to identify alternatives for citizens to get out of the bubble when interacting with the information provided by the internet through search engines. This situation arises because there is extensive ignorance about the way search engines operate and the way advanced search algorithms operate, both situations based on the specific segmentation of the public, which creates difficulties in obtaining vast information that allows the contrast and development of diverse perspectives, which do not necessarily lead to the use of critical thinking.\n\n\nDesign/methodology/approach\nTo achieve this contribution, a documentary-type investigation was carried out based on the review of the scientific literature on the subject, and the nature of this investigation, due to its purpose, being descriptive. The study takes as document selection criteria those original articles whose content relevance is linked to the purposes of this research proposal, published in scientific databases (SciELO, RedAlyC, Dialnet, ScienceDirect, WoS and Scopus) mostly between the years 2018 and 2023, in Spanish and English, that described the impact of bubble filters on full access to information and data privacy, for which the topics were addressed: internet search algorithms, bubble filters, search engines, privacy policies in search engines and management of personal data.\n\n\nFindings\nAt the beginning, this paper clarifies the concepts of search algorithms on the Internet, bubble filters, search engines and privacy policies in search engines, which made it possible to identify alternatives that would allow the user to face the silent reality of the algorithms and avoid the bias in the information that the algorithm provides, in addition, the need to generate algorithmic literacy mechanisms, training in the use of metasearch engines and education in algorithms is proposed, with which citizens can exercise critical thinking in the way they interact on the internet.\n\n\nResearch limitations/implications\nThis is a theoretical proposal, in which various inferences are made from theoretical knowledge without fieldwork.\n\n\nOriginality/value\nIt is considered a document of important value in the training processes of librarians and information professionals in the training of users and in the ways of interaction with technology.\n","PeriodicalId":42447,"journal":{"name":"Digital Library Perspectives","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1000,"publicationDate":"2024-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Digital Library Perspectives","FirstCategoryId":"1085","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1108/dlp-01-2024-0009","RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":null,"ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q3","JCRName":"INFORMATION SCIENCE & LIBRARY SCIENCE","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to identify alternatives for citizens to get out of the bubble when interacting with the information provided by the internet through search engines. This situation arises because there is extensive ignorance about the way search engines operate and the way advanced search algorithms operate, both situations based on the specific segmentation of the public, which creates difficulties in obtaining vast information that allows the contrast and development of diverse perspectives, which do not necessarily lead to the use of critical thinking.
Design/methodology/approach
To achieve this contribution, a documentary-type investigation was carried out based on the review of the scientific literature on the subject, and the nature of this investigation, due to its purpose, being descriptive. The study takes as document selection criteria those original articles whose content relevance is linked to the purposes of this research proposal, published in scientific databases (SciELO, RedAlyC, Dialnet, ScienceDirect, WoS and Scopus) mostly between the years 2018 and 2023, in Spanish and English, that described the impact of bubble filters on full access to information and data privacy, for which the topics were addressed: internet search algorithms, bubble filters, search engines, privacy policies in search engines and management of personal data.
Findings
At the beginning, this paper clarifies the concepts of search algorithms on the Internet, bubble filters, search engines and privacy policies in search engines, which made it possible to identify alternatives that would allow the user to face the silent reality of the algorithms and avoid the bias in the information that the algorithm provides, in addition, the need to generate algorithmic literacy mechanisms, training in the use of metasearch engines and education in algorithms is proposed, with which citizens can exercise critical thinking in the way they interact on the internet.
Research limitations/implications
This is a theoretical proposal, in which various inferences are made from theoretical knowledge without fieldwork.
Originality/value
It is considered a document of important value in the training processes of librarians and information professionals in the training of users and in the ways of interaction with technology.
期刊介绍:
Digital Library Perspectives (DLP) is a peer-reviewed journal concerned with digital content collections. It publishes research related to the curation and web-based delivery of digital objects collected for the advancement of scholarship, teaching and learning. And which advance the digital information environment as it relates to global knowledge, communication and world memory. The journal aims to keep readers informed about current trends, initiatives, and developments. Including those in digital libraries and digital repositories, along with their standards and technologies. The editor invites contributions on the following, as well as other related topics: Digitization, Data as information, Archives and manuscripts, Digital preservation and digital archiving, Digital cultural memory initiatives, Usability studies, K-12 and higher education uses of digital collections.