For You Page: The algorithm’s influence on our content consumption

I’ve always been a bit of a late adopter when it comes to trends, but in the age of endless scrolling, social media has become an integral part of my life, shaping my tastes and preferences in entertainment. From viral dance trends to hidden gem recommendations, these platforms have the power to popularise artists, films, and other things into the mainstream.

I was swept up in a whirlwind of viral trends, from the iconic 'Renegade' to the more recent 'Apple Dance.' These challenges not only entertained me but also introduced me to new artists and genres. I was particularly captivated by Gracie Abrams's heart-wrenching songs like “I Love You, I’m Sorry”, often featured in TikTok and Instagram Reels. Her raw emotion and poetic lyrics, paired with the relatable content of the videos, made her music instantly appealing.

I wouldn’t consider myself a fan of Chappell Roan but her song “HOT TO GO!” blew up on TikTok and suddenly, I found myself dancing and singing along to the viral sensation without knowing anything about the artist.

It’s not just music, though. When it comes to movies, I’ve been obsessed with A24 horror films lately.

A24 horror films have become cult classics, thanks to the intense online discussions and fan theories that have emerged on platforms like TikTok, Reddit, and Twitter. "Midsommar" and "Hereditary" have set a new standard for psychological horror, and online recommendations have consistently propelled A24's latest films into the spotlight.

Jordan Peele’s cinematic creations have also had a strong and lasting impact on social media. After watching “Get Out”, I continued to see various posts about the chimpanzee scene in “Nope” which intrigued me so I gave it a watch and I did not regret it one single bit.

By curating personalised feeds and amplifying viral trends, these platforms have shaped my tastes and preferences. As we move forward into the digital age, the influence of social media on our culture will only continue to grow. Edited by Jasmine Pegg