Research Article

Systematic Literature Review of Algorithm Literacy Studies: Mapping The Overlooked Gaps

Number: 48 December 26, 2025
TR EN

Systematic Literature Review of Algorithm Literacy Studies: Mapping The Overlooked Gaps

Abstract

Considering the increasing role of algorithmic systems in shaping individuals’ access to information, social interactions, and opportunities in digital environments, this systematic literature review investigates the present condition of algorithm literacy research. The primary aim of the study is to identify overlooked areas, conceptual blind spots, and persistent knowledge gaps regarding users’ awareness and understanding of algorithmic systems. To achieve this, the review synthesizes a total of 47 relevant studies, each addressing different dimensions of algorithm literacy and offering insights into how individuals perceive, interpret, and respond to algorithmic mechanisms embedded in digital platforms. The findings reveal an overall mean algorithm awareness score of 3.35, indicating a moderate level of awareness based on data from 11.147 participants across 16 quantitative studies. This moderate level suggests that users generally recognize the influence of algorithms on their online experiences, yet many still struggle to grasp how these systems operate or shape content distribution, personalization, and decision making processes. The analysis further shows that social media users and university students constitute the dominant research groups, while platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are most frequently examined. A notable geographical imbalance also emerges, since much of the existing research is concentrated in developed countries including the United States, China, and Germany, pointing to an expanding “algorithmic divide”.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Media Literacy, New Media

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

December 26, 2025

Submission Date

January 9, 2025

Acceptance Date

July 25, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Number: 48

APA
Bozkanat, E. (2025). Systematic Literature Review of Algorithm Literacy Studies: Mapping The Overlooked Gaps. Türkiye İletişim Araştırmaları Dergisi, 48, 85-105. https://doi.org/10.17829/turcom.1616793
AMA
1.Bozkanat E. Systematic Literature Review of Algorithm Literacy Studies: Mapping The Overlooked Gaps. TURCOM. 2025;(48):85-105. doi:10.17829/turcom.1616793
Chicago
Bozkanat, Esra. 2025. “Systematic Literature Review of Algorithm Literacy Studies: Mapping The Overlooked Gaps”. Türkiye İletişim Araştırmaları Dergisi, nos. 48: 85-105. https://doi.org/10.17829/turcom.1616793.
EndNote
Bozkanat E (December 1, 2025) Systematic Literature Review of Algorithm Literacy Studies: Mapping The Overlooked Gaps. Türkiye İletişim Araştırmaları Dergisi 48 85–105.
IEEE
[1]E. Bozkanat, “Systematic Literature Review of Algorithm Literacy Studies: Mapping The Overlooked Gaps”, TURCOM, no. 48, pp. 85–105, Dec. 2025, doi: 10.17829/turcom.1616793.
ISNAD
Bozkanat, Esra. “Systematic Literature Review of Algorithm Literacy Studies: Mapping The Overlooked Gaps”. Türkiye İletişim Araştırmaları Dergisi. 48 (December 1, 2025): 85-105. https://doi.org/10.17829/turcom.1616793.
JAMA
1.Bozkanat E. Systematic Literature Review of Algorithm Literacy Studies: Mapping The Overlooked Gaps. TURCOM. 2025;:85–105.
MLA
Bozkanat, Esra. “Systematic Literature Review of Algorithm Literacy Studies: Mapping The Overlooked Gaps”. Türkiye İletişim Araştırmaları Dergisi, no. 48, Dec. 2025, pp. 85-105, doi:10.17829/turcom.1616793.
Vancouver
1.Esra Bozkanat. Systematic Literature Review of Algorithm Literacy Studies: Mapping The Overlooked Gaps. TURCOM. 2025 Dec. 1;(48):85-105. doi:10.17829/turcom.1616793

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