Algorithms
By: Waqar George
Tags: Facebook, Algorithms, Technology, Computers, Facebook Ads

Photo by Michael Dziedzic on Unsplash

To define, algorithms are a set of instructions or commands that are introduced to a certain system to solve the given problem. A system that is introduced to an algorithm works according to it and can never go out of the way.

Why do we need algorithms?

We can never have too many resources to solve problems. We need a system, a set of instructions, predefined rules and values that helps us in fulfilling a purpose with less amount of hindrance. For example, if we take the example of computers, we can never have infinite memory and time to let them deal with problems one by one. If we have algorithms (set of rules and instruction) we can become free from the boundaries of memory and timespan. Because of algorithms, we don’t need to worry about the coming problem. Because we’ve got algorithms ready to deal with it. When humans confront a problem about which they already have some knowledge or know how to deal with it, they do a good job with that problem. You can also take vaccination as an example in this case.

Algorithms in different fields

We all have heard this same term ‘algorithm’ in many different fields. Let’s have a look at it.

In mathematics

I still remember that in school I studied algorithms in mathematics. In mathematics, it also follows the same definition. We apply ‘log’ to solve the given problem.

In computers

We are already aware that computers were initially known as computing devices, but later they are not just computing devices. Since initially computers were just meant for computing, algorithms (that are a necessary element in the process of computing) were used.

In websites and apps

Facebook and Instagram

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

If you have watched the documentary “The Social Dilemma”, you probably know how Facebook and Instagram use powerful tools and algorithms to study their user to make their user spend more time on their apps. They always keep track of your activities and store your activity log as information. Which they use to give you the ads and newsfeed that’s pleasurable for you.

Twitter

Twitter although is very different from Facebook and Instagram. It's comparatively authentic than Facebook or Instagram. It's because we have official accounts of politicians and the government. It is very much news-oriented, but it still uses users' information to make it more appealing. It shows you the trends that are related to your interests and location.

Google

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If you do not have much information about a particular thing, what will you do? you will probably google it…. right? Why is it so? Obviously, it's because Google is the search engine that gives you the best information about a particular topic. It also uses algorithms to recommend the best-suited results related to your search. For example, if you always visit a particular website. You will see that whenever you search about anything Google tries to provide you with the information present on that website related to your search.

Whenever you search for anything on Google, it provides you with the best suitable search recommendation based on your previous searches.

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YouTube

YouTube is a video-sharing website. But now it has also become a search engine. It has left google behind in the field of search engines. Because it’s so convenient to look at a video related to a certain thing that you are looking for rather than reading articles, especially in the modern era of smartphones.

Every Youtuber, either famous or not. Says like share and comment on my videos. Why do they do this? It’s just because they want to increase engagement on their videos and channel ultimately. Which will recommend their videos to more viewers, because of “algorithms.”

Recently, YouTube has introduced tabs that are exclusively based on your interests. It always keeps you recommending videos and you cannot deny the fact that those are actually the best recommendations for you. Our apps in the modern-day know ourselves better than us. One of a friend used to say about the YouTube it can make the giraffe-neck evolution in humans.

Conclusion

We have seen that algorithms are not bound to a singular subject, and how they are used in different fields in different ways. Maybe you find it knowledgeable, if yes make sure to give it a like. LOL (Hope you get the sarcasm)