A Stream of Sensational Content Recommendations
"Mental Exhaustion Sets In"
Managing Algorithms Ahead of Dates
A Movement Toward Proactive Information Choices
Kim, a 29-year-old office worker, recently reset his YouTube algorithm. A few months ago, after he happened to watch videos of YouTubers and BJs active around Bucheon Station in Gyeonggi Province, he began receiving a stream of provocative and violent content recommendations. He said, "At first, I was intrigued by people doing things that ordinary people would never do, like causing chaos in karaoke rooms. But at some point, I started to feel mentally drained," adding, "These days, I am careful with every click I make."
Recently, an 'algorithm reset' trend has been spreading on social networking services (SNS), particularly among Millennials & Gen Z. This is an active consumer movement to break away from provocative content and choose the information they want to see for themselves.
On December 30, Shin, a 25-year-old job seeker, said, "I recently organized the content recommended by SNS," and added, "After failing several final interviews, I started searching for videos on how to maintain my mental health, but before I knew it, the platform kept recommending videos about failures and other content that triggered feelings of depression."
Some people also adjust their algorithms before blind dates or outings with their partners, out of concern that content exposed by the algorithm might give the other person a negative impression. Jung Yunseong, 27, said, "My Instagram Explore tab was filled with bodybuilder photos, and I was worried I might look like someone obsessed with working out. Before a blind date, I deliberately clicked more on cooking and travel content to change my feed." Park, a 26-year-old graduate student, also shared, "While watching videos with my partner, a political video with extreme opinions appeared in the recommended list, which was embarrassing. Since that day, I've been paying more attention to managing my algorithm."
Some people reset their algorithms for 'economic reasons' to prevent impulse purchases. Seo, 30, said, "After clicking on a few posts about clothes, I kept getting exposed to content designed to encourage consumption. To avoid unnecessary overspending, I intentionally searched for news and other topics I wasn't interested in to push shopping algorithms out of my feed."
Lee Eunhee, a professor of consumer studies at Inha University, analyzed, "Algorithms tend to confine consumers' interests to certain areas and unconsciously reinforce negative tendencies. The algorithm reset movement among Millennials & Gen Z is an attempt to actively expand their information environment and an attitude of trying to take control over their digital content consumption."
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