Title: Crossover Quiz Podcast 1 EN

CrossOver Quiz 1

The purpose of this interactive quiz developed within the European project Crossover.social is to help you deepen your knowledge of the algorithms used by search engines and social media and to provide you with key concepts and practical tips to better control your information.

Algorithms Question 1

Algorithms are at the heart of our information system, our relationships and our consumption. Do you know how they work?

Here are a few fill-in-the-blank texts with a list of suggestions to complete them. It's up to you to put them in the right place!

Q: An algorithm is a finite and unambiguous sequence of [...] and [...] created by [...] whose purpose is to solve a [...], not unlike a [...] used to prepare a dish.
A: instructions; operations; developers; problem; recipe

Algorithms Question 2

Drag the words into the correct boxes

Q: Ranking algorithms, used in particular by [...], are [...], that offer us a selection of answers presented in a certain [...] when we make a request. These algorithms are well-kept [...] that are constantly evolving, and it seems that no one, not even their creators, know exactly how they work in details.
A: search engines; sorting tools; order; secrets

Algorithms Question 3

Drag the words into the correct boxes

Q: [...] algorithms [...] results of search engines or social networks by proposing content that is supposed to match users' [...] These algorithms determine what you should like based on various elements such as your past [...], your location, the [...] you have with your community, or the [...] you click on. It's the famous "if you liked this, then you'll [...] this" principle.
A: Recommendation; personalize the; tastes based on prior navigation.; browsing; interactions; ads; like

Terminology Question 1

Drag the words into the correct boxes

Q: It allows a so-called "intelligent" algorithm to train and improve itself. What is it called? [...]
It influences what you see on your news feed. What is its name? [...]
It decides the order in which your results appear on your search engine. What is it called? [...]
It identifies a topic or theme on social networks. What do we use? [...]
They are intensely active online, but you don't see them at the demonstrations. What are they called? [...]
To try to understand and control a bit what is going on behind their screens, many people are asking for... what? [...]
What is the feature that makes it so that when you type on Google "Love is...", or "Bread is...", for example, the search engine finishes the sentence and proposes contents that go with it? [...]
What can you use as a navigation mode to avoid giving your history to the algorithms? [...]
What do IA feed on to grow? [...]
They use data to feed their investigations.What are they called? [...]
Algorithms lock people into comfort zones where they are offered "always more of the same". What is the name of this phenomenon?[...]
A: Machine Learning; Recommendation algorithm; Ranking algorithm; Hashtag; Clicktivists; Transparency of algorithms; Auto-completion; Private browsing; Data; Data journalists; Filter bubble

Terminology Question 2

Apart from understanding how algorithms work, understanding the economic and geopolitical models behind them, and using your critical thinking skills wisely (without becoming paranoid), you can build some strategies to control your information better. Here is a list of reasonable goals if you want to reduce the influence of algorithms on your information. It's up to you to find the solution that goes with it!

Q: Limiting the amount of data collected from your devices to reduce targeting [...]
Browsing anonymously [...]
Not falling for sensationalist news [...]
Going beyond the beaten path, varying your sources of information [...]
Making sure that informing yourself is a voluntary act, that respects clear rules [...]
A: Setting your cookies to limit tracking; Using a VPN; Watching out for information that arouses a lot of emotion and verify it; Opening your community to people with different profiles. Snooping elsewhere than in the first page of Google or searching on other sites; Mobilizing for an increased regulation of algorithms, for more transparency about their impact.

Terminology Question 3

Q: Algorithms used by social media influence the information you receive (without often asking for it). This can participate in (multiple responses possible):
- Fighting your confirmation biases
- Pushing conspiracy theories (correct)
- Bringing to light topics that the press does not cover (correct)
- Making you more critical

Question 7

Q: The number one goal of social media recommendation algorithms, for platform owners is to (one answer only):
- Filter out illegal content online
- Prioritize content according to its social importance
- Make people stay as long as possible on the platforms to earn more money (correct)
- Identify quality content
- Spread the ideas of their owners

Question 8

Q: The algorithms used by social media for economic purposes can also be used by other actors to (multiple answers possible):
- Manipulate opinion (correct)
- Improve our cognitive processes
- Sell products (correct)
- Make geniuses out of Internet users

Question 9

Q: In political and societal terms, the influence of algorithms on information in democratic societies raises the following issues (several answers possible):
- Creation of mismatch between what is said/read/seen online and reality (correct)
- Cultural sovereignty (correct)
- Energy expenditure
- Foreign interference (correct)

Question 10

Q: Algorithms used in social media can influence the media agenda by (multiple responses possible):
- Leading the media to highlight certain topics over others (correct)
- Writing the most repetitive articles for them
- Giving them ideas for investigations (correct)
- Providing them with methods to validate sources

Question 11

Q: We do not all get the same search result using the same keyword or hashtag. This result depends on (several possible answers):
- The terminal used (type of computer, phone, tablet) (correct)
- The browsing history (correct)
- The mood of the service developer
- The place where you are (In Namur or Brussels, for example...) (correct)

Question 12

Link words and functions

Q: Ranking algorithms [...]

Recommendation algorithms [...]

Artificial intelligence [...]

Machine learning [...]
A: sort; personalize; mimic a form of human intelligence; use data to get better

Question 13

Link words and common fears

Q: Recommendation algorithms [...]

Ranking algorithms [...]

Artificial intelligence [...]

Auto-completion [...]
A: Locking you into your habits; Making certain content invisible; Losing control; Influencing searches

Question 14

Link words and preconceived idea

Q: Ranking algorithms [...]

Recommendation algorithms [...]

Artificial intelligence [...]
A: Platforms are neutral; They are there to make your experience more pleasant; It is created by machines