Algorithmization of social media and its effects on online media

The thesis Algorithmization of social media and it's effects on online news consumption examines the transition of social networking sites from chonological display of posts to automatized system of relevance assignment. This assesment is realized through algorithmic filters, which uses predefined criteria and processes to assign relevance to individual posts. Main goal of this thisis is to define compare a theoretical model of mechanized selection with traditional editorial model, together with user understanding of Facebook algoritmization. The thesis combines a theoretical part, which presents the specifics of both models, with qualitative research with aims of the conceptualization of user's understanding of the algoritmized nature of Facebook. The theoretical section also integrates algoritmic filters with the current gatekeeping theory, compares news and algorithmic values and describes the basic biases, which may occur in the two models of information selection. The second part of the thesis explores the user understanding of Facebook algorithmization. The methodology is based on qualitative research with case study design through semi-structured interviews with seven Facebook users. Interview analysis is based on predefined body of subjects: general information, understanding of algorithmization and..