Media Algorithm Explained
12/18/2024 | 1m 30sVideo has Closed Captions
Discover how algorithms influence what kids watch and why it’s important to stay aware.
Children wonder how their favorite videos are always next in line. Enter an adult who explains algorithms — computer programs designed to keep users engaged by analyzing interactions. This playful video highlights the importance of understanding how algorithms shape online experiences and encourages critical thinking about screen time.
Problems with Closed Captions? Closed Captioning Feedback
Problems with Closed Captions? Closed Captioning Feedback
Learning to Read is a local public television program presented by WNPT
Funding for LEARNING TO READ is provided by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation and the Hays Foundation.
Media Algorithm Explained
12/18/2024 | 1m 30sVideo has Closed Captions
Children wonder how their favorite videos are always next in line. Enter an adult who explains algorithms — computer programs designed to keep users engaged by analyzing interactions. This playful video highlights the importance of understanding how algorithms shape online experiences and encourages critical thinking about screen time.
Problems with Closed Captions? Closed Captioning Feedback
How to Watch Learning to Read
Learning to Read is available to stream on pbs.org and the free PBS App, available on iPhone, Apple TV, Android TV, Android smartphones, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Tablet, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, and Vizio.
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipMore from This Collection
Video has Closed Captions
A joke online can hurt more than you think. Teach kids to be kind and responsible online. (1m 24s)
Stranger Danger in the Online World
Video has Closed Captions
Protect your kids from online strangers by teaching them to recognize warning signs. (1m 4s)
Video has Closed Captions
Handle harmful content online by guiding kids gently and creating a safe space to share. (1m 10s)
Video has Closed Captions
Oversharing online can risk your child’s safety. Post privately to protect their privacy. (55s)
Guide your Kids' Viewing Choices
Video has Closed Captions
Manage your child’s streaming content to keep your child from inappropriate content. (1m 38s)
Video has Closed Captions
Learn how DCBA (Don’t respond, Choose to ignore, Block, Alert) helps stop cyberbullying. (1m 4s)
Caught! Sneaky Ads Targeting Your Kids
Video has Closed Captions
Social media posts may not be genuine — learn how to spot sneaky social media advertising. (1m 27s)
Stop Inappropriate Content for Kids
Video has Closed Captions
Protect kids online from unwanted inappropriate content with the RANT method. (1m 10s)
Video has Closed Captions
Learn why limiting screen time is important and how to do it in a simple manner. (1m 4s)
Video has Closed Captions
Learn how to help kids distinguish real life from fiction. (1m 15s)
Video has Closed Captions
Learn how to spot media bias and compare different perspectives on the same story. (1m 24s)
Video has Closed Captions
Learn what lateral reading is and use it to fact-check claims and uncover the truth. (1m 17s)
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship- He's fast, but not as fast as me!
I'm gonna pretend to be scared.
I won't really be scared, but I'm gonna pretend.
- Have you ever wondered how it always knows what to play next?
- Yeah, it's like it knows exactly what we like.
I wonder how?
- Go, (screams) (static buzzing) - What?
- What the?
- Hey, kid!
I know what you're thinking.
How could I know what you wanna watch and show it to you?
Well, it's because of algorithms.
Algorithms are special programs that decide what you see based on how you interact with them.
- Wow.
What just happened?
- Wait, is this an ad?
- Don't skip!
Let me explain.
The more you like, share, comment, and watch a video, the more similar content you'll see.
It's not magic, it's just computer programming designed to keep you hooked.
You'll spend too much time watching and only get to see things from one perspective.
- Listen, we're starting a band.
- That was weird.
- Yeah.
Let's watch something else.
- Do you know how to play?
- Hey, who pressed that?
(children screaming) - [Narrator] Made possible by the generous support of the Marlene and Spencer Hays Foundation.
Learning to Read is a local public television program presented by WNPT
Funding for LEARNING TO READ is provided by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation and the Hays Foundation.