The Algorithm Game: A study of how danish students perceive and navigate algorithms on short video platforms

Jensen, Tobias Claudi ; Sørensen, Magnus Munch Kaufmann

4. term

Techno-Anthropology, Master

2025

2025-05-28

78 pages

This thesis explores how Danish high school students experience and interpret algorithms on short video platforms, as well as how they perceive and attempt to influence both the videos they are shown and their own engagement with the platforms. Guided by a phenomenological approach, this study uses ethnographic methods, including mobile ethnography and interviews, to collect empirical data from six Danish high school students. The theoretical framework was derived from Science, Technology, Society studies, in particular the concept of multistability and intentionality from postphenomenology as well as blackboxing and programs & anti-programs from Actor-Network-Theory. Grounded Theory inspired an inductive and iterative approach to processing data. The findings show that the students have varying degrees of algorithmic awareness, and their knowledge is primarily shaped by personal experience rather than formal education. They primarily use short video platforms for entertainment, relaxation and passing time, but often describe the experience as unproductive or emotionally draining, especially after prolonged sessions. The students often engage with short videos impulsively, without consciously deciding to, and occasionally lose track of time and place while scrolling. The students attempt to manage their usage through various strategies with varying success, and their ability to do so depends on factors such as self-discipline, time of day, and social environment. Students actively attempt to influence their content feeds through actions such as liking, commenting, and following. They are aware that the algorithm recommends videos based on their interactions, generally sharing similar ideas although having differing views on specific actions that the algorithm reacts to. Most students view algorithms critically, acknowledging their persuasive power and potential risk of creating echo chambers.

Algorithmic Awareness ; Algorithms ; Students ; Folk Theories ; Postphenomenology ; Actor-Network Theory ; Grounded Theory ; Ethnography ; Mobile Ethnography ; Short videos ; TikTok ; Instagram Reels

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