Research Symposium

BIO

Michael Gonzalez is a pre-law student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Miami, FL.

The Logic Of The Feed

Abstract

My research focuses on understanding how recommender systems are discussed across different spaces, and how those conversations shape how people think about “the feed.” I wrote two literature reviews: one that analyzes professional and academic research on recommender systems, and another that examines non-professional sources such as news articles, blog posts, and public commentary. The goal is to compare these two worlds and see where they line up, where they conflict, and how they each frame the logic behind algorithmic feeds. A lot of public conversations focus on concerns like manipulation, bias, or radicalization, while academic research tends to be more focused on incentives, design choices, and measurable outcomes. Putting both sets of sources side by side helps reveal where misunderstandings happen and why people interpret recommender systems so differently depending on where they get their information. This work contributes to a larger project studying how algorithmic feeds influence behavior and online environments. By organizing, comparing, and analyzing these sources, my research helps build a clearer picture of how people understand the “rules” driving what they see online and why engagement works the way it does.

Keywords: Recommender Systems, Algorithmic Engagement, Content Exposure, Platform Incentives, User Preference Dynamics