The Invisible Web Woven by Algorithms: A Study on the Media Behavior of "Lurking" Participants

Abstract

This study delves into the media behaviors of “lurking” participants, a distinct user group, by analyzing their activities in the online space. It uncovers the multifaceted impacts of algorithmic recommender systems on “lurking” participants. The research finds that algorithms not only profoundly influence users' content selection and preference development but also play a pivotal role in shaping their social interaction patterns, thereby having profound effects on the overall information ecosystem. Furthermore, this study explores the complexities of how algorithmic recommender systems mold users' information consumption habits.