An algorithm is a set of well-defined instructions to solve a problem or perform a task. The name comes from Muḥammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi, a Persian mathematician, whose name was Latinized as Algoritmi. His work on Hindu-Arabic numerals was translated into Latin, with “algorismi” referring to his methods.
On platforms like Instagram and YouTube, algorithms work by analyzing vast amounts of data about your past behavior and the content itself. When you watch a video, like a post, or follow an account, the algorithm takes note. It also considers factors like how long you watch, what you search for, and even your interactions with other users.
Based on this data, the algorithm creates a personalized profile of your interests and preferences. It then uses this profile to recommend new content that it predicts you’ll enjoy, aiming to keep you engaged on the platform. This involves complex machine learning models that constantly learn and adapt as your preferences evolve.
