Facebook Algorithmic Factory

This graph is based on Share Lab‘s ongoing investigations into the machinations of the world‘s largest social network. From left to right, it maps the means by which Facebook collects data on its users, how that data is stored and amalgamated, the categories by which users are profiled for targeting, and finally, how the company makes its users‘ data available to its primary clients – advertisers. Facebook’s algorithms decide which information will appear in your feed, how many and which of your friends will see your posts, what kind of content will become part of your reality and what will be censored or deleted. What other kinds of power might come along with the power to control the content we see?