Related Experiment Videos
From algorithms to the self: understanding algorithmic alienation in the digital age
Burcu Arkan1, Yalçın Kanbay2, Aysun Akçam3
1Psychiatric Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey. burcuarkan@uludag.edu.tr.
BMC Psychology
|May 7, 2026
Summary
Algorithmic systems in digital environments can lead to Algorithmic Alienation, characterized by diminished autonomy and identity ambiguity. Participants experienced reduced decision-making and emotional disconnection due to automated content, prompting resistance strategies.
Area of Science:
- Digital Environment Studies
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Psychosocial Research
Background:
- Explores the psychosocial impact of algorithmic systems on individuals.
- Introduces Algorithmic Alienation as a framework for understanding these effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the psychosocial effects of algorithmic systems.
- To conceptualize and refine the framework of Algorithmic Alienation.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative design with four focus groups (N=20), ages 18-50.
- Semi-structured interviews in Turkish, analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.
- Emphasis on researcher reflexivity and analytic dialogue for interpretive depth.
Main Results:
- Participants recognized algorithmic steering and illusory choice.
- Experienced weakened decision-making, reliance on automated content, and identity ambiguity.
- Reported detachment, emotional discomfort, and developed resistance strategies like reducing platform use.
Conclusions:
- Algorithmic environments influence consumption, self-perception, and agency.
- Algorithmic Alienation is a subjective experience of diminished autonomy, blurred identity, and emotional disconnection.
- Highlights the need for algorithmic transparency, digital literacy, and cross-cultural research.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Social Foundations of Self IV: Self in Digital Communication
Since the early 2000s, computer-mediated communication (CMC) has grown rapidly, playing a crucial role in self-development. A key distinction between CMC and real-life interactions is the lack of a physically present partner. This absence makes non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, body language, and paralinguistic signals unavailable in CMC platforms like email, instant messaging, or social media. The lack of these cues can create ambiguity and complicate how feedback is interpreted.The...
01:12Trial and Error and Algorithm
A problem-solving strategy is a plan of action used to find a solution. Different strategies have distinct action plans. Trial and error involves trying different solutions until one works. For instance, to fix a broken printer, you might check ink levels, ensure the paper tray isn't jammed, and verify the printer's connection to your laptop. This method can be time-consuming but is commonly used. Thomas Edison, for example, used trial and error to find a suitable filament for the light bulb,...
02:57The Sense of Self: Reflected Self-Appraisal and Social Comparison
According to Charles Cooley, we base our image on what we think other people see (Cooley 1902). We imagine how we must appear to others, then react to this speculation. We don certain clothes, prepare our hair in a particular manner, wear makeup, use cologne, and the like—all with the notion that our presentation of ourselves is going to affect how others perceive us. We expect a certain reaction, and, if lucky, we get the one we desire and feel good about it. But more than that, Cooley...
01:20Social Foundations of Self II: The Generalized Other
According to George Herbert Mead, as children progress beyond the game stage, they develop a more comprehensive understanding of societal rules and norms. This cognitive and social development enables them to internalize the expectations of the broader community, refining their ability to regulate behavior.Consistent participation in organized activities is crucial in helping children recognize that their actions are not isolated but contribute to a more significant, interconnected group effort.
01:20Understanding Self-Concept
The self-concept encompasses individuals' beliefs about themselves, structured through cognitive frameworks known as self-schemas. These schemas function as mental representations of specific traits or behaviors, influencing how self-relevant information is perceived, processed, and remembered. For example, individuals who are schematic for body weight are more likely to interpret routine experiences—such as dining out or shopping—through the lens of that trait. Conversely, those aschematic for...
01:28Understanding the Self
The self is a central aspect of human identity, encompassing an individual’s beliefs, emotions, perceptions, and experiences. It is a cognitive and psychological construct that enables individuals to interpret their traits and behaviors, influencing how they perceive themselves and interact with the world. While personality consists of stable and enduring characteristics, the self is shaped by self-perception and social experiences. This distinction highlights the dynamic nature of the self,...