@article{article_1705388, title={Examining the Perceptions of Communication Faculty Students on Algorithm Literacy and Algorithmic Decision Making}, journal={Akdeniz Üniversitesi İletişim Fakültesi Dergisi}, pages={195–214}, year={2025}, author={Kayıhan, Bahar and Katamba, Muzafalu}, keywords={Algorithms, Algorithm literacy, Artificial intelligence, Algorithm decisions, Manipulation}, abstract={The current digital environment is governed by algorithmic technology. While some studies suggest that algorithms unfairly influence human interests and decisions within this digital world, research focusing on algorithm literacy among students and the role of algorithms in decision-making remains relatively scarce. Therefore, this study seeks to reveal students’ algorithm literacy to assess their knowledge and experience with algorithms, as well as the influence of algorithms on their decision-making manners. Focus group interviews were conducted, grounded in theories hypothesizing that algorithms are unfair and that the datasets and models applied in algorithmic systems do not provide unbiased representations of reality. A total of 32 communication students participated in this study, sharing their perceptions on the role of algorithms in decision-making. The research also examined students’ experiences with algorithm literacy and whether their decisions extend beyond what algorithms offer. The thematically analyzed findings indicate that algorithms play a double role in decision-making, offering both benefits and challenges, and it is clear that algorithms repeatedly exhibit bias and manipulate users, particularly in position with commercial interests. Notably, it was found that students perceived that algorithms can sometimes limit users’ choices by prioritising a particular type of content under the influence of adverts and the nature of the media, thereby creating an unfair bias. Therefore, future research should focus on the design and regulation of algorithms to improve their transparency and mitigate the risks of social manipulation.}, number={50}, publisher={Akdeniz University}