About iFAM

The Rise of Algorithms

Over the past few decades, algorithms have become ubiquitous on digital media platforms. Popular platforms—such as Facebook, X, YouTube, Google News, or Bing—are so-called algorithmic media. They process enormous amounts of data to make decisions about what content to show to whom, when, and how. Algorithms influence what information we see, who we interact with online, and even how we perceive the world around us. This means that algorithms shape how people engage with news, current events, and social issues.

This development has led to algorithmic literacy becoming an essential part of critical media understanding. Algorithmic literacy refers to the ability to consciously and purposefully navigate and interpret one's algorithmically curated information landscape. Despite the pervasive influence of such media, Norwegians' understanding of algorithmic media is limited.

Algorithmic Learning in the Family

The experience gap between young and older adults puts parents and caregivers in a difficult position; they should be role models and resources for their children in a digital landscape that they themselves may struggle to fully understand. We have little knowledge about and limited formal opportunities to influence adults' algorithmic literacy. The iFAM project therefore aims to build knowledge about how adults can acquire algorithmic literacy in informal learning environments.

Families are an ideal gateway to studying informal knowledge exchange as they are an already existing, often trust-based environment. The family is also a place where several generations meet.

iFAM project plan

iFAM will recruit 15 families for a 3-month study consisting of:

• in-depth interviews
• focus groups
• media diaries

The overall goal of the iFAM project is to provide valuable knowledge about intergenerational learning about algorithms, which can be used to develop strategies for inclusive and effective algorithmic learning as part of the work on critical media understanding.