What you type in the search box on Google isn’t the only factor determining the search results. Where you are, who you are, the position the computer is in, past searches, etc. are all contributors that determine what content you are exposed to online. Algorithms that calculate a user’s point of interest or their perceived relevant content is the priority on their home page.

We all hear about how journalistic integrity has been tossed out the window to make room for more ratings and animated debates by public figures. This kind of new journalism, we know, is dangerous to a system where a well-informed electorate determines the political leaders. Leaving room for bias, special interest, sponsorship, lobbyist, advertisers, board of directors, etc. to determine how millions of people will get their “information” about their political system.

The internet, where content is diverse and available to anyone, is a welcomed change to the old system. Ideally, you are your own filter and you have control over what content you read. Despite bias and junk news getting published online, there are credible places where one can diversify his or her content and learn about ideas that are challenging or different. Unfortunately, major websites like to trap users into “filter bubbles” that control content based on formulas and calculations by computers determined to seek information that the user will prefer most.

Is this a new form of internet censorship? Are algorithms successful in censoring the internet?

The Libertarian does not own the above video and is merely sharing it for entertainment and informative purposes.

Nazzy S. is an editor for The Libertarian and writer for The Midnight Zone. Find her on Twitter. 

[This article was originally published in The Midnight Zone.]