Well, to start off, companies like Facebook tailor what they share with you based on what they think you like or may be interested in. How would they know what you like? How would they know that what you NEED right now is an online quiz that will tell you what breed of dog you would be? Facebook uses trackers, which "share information intended to record, profile, or share your online activity." There can be as many as 228 trackers watching your internet activity at any time. This is because when you go to a page, a company like Facebook will request to see your activity and a piece of Javascript code allows Facebook to run code and track you. The code can write cookies and make more requests for information.
There are a few problems with the way this Facebook algorithm works based on "engagement". First, many think this is an invasion of privacy. It's a little creepy when you are shopping for sneakers online and Facebook gives you a bunch of ads for the same exact sneakers you were just looking at on a different site. However, this is also an incredible way to advertise. If there is an algorithm that can provide companies with information they can use to advertise their product to a specific individual who they know would be interested, why would they not take advantage of that?
Another problem with this "engagement" algorithm is that is creates something called "filter bubbles". Because Facebook can track what you read, they will continue to feed you things they know you will like. As a result, you are only being exposed to information, articles, and opinions you agree with. These "filter bubbles" perpetuate your own biases. If you mostly click on conservative articles, Facebook will slowly stop showing you liberal posts, and vice versa. Also, if you click on one fake article that catches your eye, they might keep feeding you fake articles. Sites that create this fake content continue to do so because they know people are clicking in it-- in fact, they're tracking it.
Spooky!!
References:
http://www.businessinsider.com/this-is-how-facebook-is-tracking-your-internet-activity-2012-9#curious-how-else-you-are-being-tracked-online-11
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/facebook-s-problem-is-more-complicated-than-fake-news/
https://www.ted.com/talks/eli_pariser_beware_online_filter_bubbles
https://www.ted.com/talks/eli_pariser_beware_online_filter_bubbles#t-166917
About your point on it being an invasion of privacy, this really resonates with me. Earlier today someone told me that he shopped at J Crew (I love j crew) and now all of his ads are about J Crew! Crazy how websites can track our activity from other websites and all over the web. What are your opinions on this tracking being an invasion of privacy? Cool article!
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