Introducing Algorithms

Start by asking students:

Ask students what they think a recommendation algorithm is. First make sure they understand the term algorithm, and that algorithms sort data in order to find patterns and make predictions and recommendations.

Explain to students that a lot of what we see online, including videos, comes from recommendation algorithms like YouTube’s Up Next bar, TikTok’s For You page and Instagram’s Story tab.

Next, explain that streaming services like Netflix even use algorithms to customize their menus so that you’ll find something you like sooner.

Have students complete the interactive exercise in the Introducing Algorithms student chapter by identifying which of the videos Netflix most thinks they are likely to want, and which Netflix thinks they are least likely to want.

When students have completed the exercise, explain to them that Netflix puts the videos it thinks you’re most likely to want to watch at the top left. As you move right and down, you see ones its algorithm thinks you’re less and less likely to enjoy. If you have access to a digital projector or digital whiteboard, you can show them the graphic Netflix home screen to demonstrate.

Tell students that some streaming services also customize the thumbnails you see. For instance, if you have watched a lot of action movies, the thumbnail for a movie might feature an actor known for action movies. If you’ve watched a lot of comedies, the thumbnail might feature their comic sidekick.