{"id":1470,"date":"2026-02-24T13:23:52","date_gmt":"2026-02-24T05:23:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/jointings.org\/eng\/?p=1470"},"modified":"2026-02-24T13:45:26","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T05:45:26","slug":"in-this-age-of-algorithms-everyone-should-enhance-their-information-literacy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jointings.org\/eng\/archives\/1470","title":{"rendered":"In this age of algorithms, everyone should enhance their information literacy"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u3010\u89c2\u70b9\u3011| Insight<\/a><\/p>\n

For Sale<\/a><\/em><\/div>\n
\n

By Wind,\u00a0Jointing.Media, in Shanghai , 2025-11-05<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Recently, I stumbled upon an advertisement featuring the son of a certain domestic brand’s owner tearfully livestreaming. Recalling the group’s substantial donations during the pandemic, I impulsively placed an order. Upon receiving the product (a food item), I discovered it was damaged and promptly returned it. Later, I verified that this tactic of grabbing attention and boosting traffic had been debunked by the group itself ten months prior. Yet Douyin has allowed such fraudulent sales advertisements to persist for eight months, with no indication of removal.<\/p>\n

Similar fabricated narratives proliferate in the age of self-media: staged \u2018domestic violence\u2019 scenes to elicit sympathy, false \u2018poverty-stricken student\u2019 personas to solicit donations, and staged \u2018elderly abuse\u2019 stories to attract attention. This tactic of exploiting emotions for false marketing is hardly novel. Over thirty years ago, streets were already littered with appeals for \u2018medical aid\u2019 from the terminally ill. The only difference is that the stage for these dramas has shifted from offline to online. Humanity’s most precious emotions \u2013 \u201ccompassion\u201d and \u2018trust\u2019 \u2013 are being systematically eroded by meticulously algorithmically engineered narratives.<\/p>\n

Algorithms function like intricate looms, silently enveloping us within a thick cocoon woven from our \u2018preferences\u2019 and \u2018trending topics.\u2019 When a wholly fabricated piece of AI-generated misinformation gains traction precisely because it aligns with societal hotspots and prevailing sentiments, we confront not merely falsehood, but an entirely new world where truth becomes contingent.<\/p>\n

I. The \u2018Cocoon Room\u2019 Becomes the Norm, \u2018Truth\u2019 Becomes Probability<\/span><\/h3>\n

Upon opening an app each morning, the endless stream presents algorithmically curated content tailored to yesterday’s preferences. Views we’ve liked are endlessly amplified; videos we’ve lingered on spawn countless similar ones. Scholars term this experience the \u2018information cocoon.\u2019 Like silkworms spinning their own confinement, we are tightly wrapped in the threads of our preferences, our cognition steadily solidifying.<\/p>\n

To capture traffic, voices clamour; to grab attention, facts are distorted. Algorithms and traffic collude, firmly locking users within comfortable yet closed \u2018information cocoons,\u2019 intensifying collective cognitive biases and divisions.<\/p>\n

Fierce homogenisation competition among platforms drives creators to produce controversial, inflammatory content. Such material, lacking factual basis, gains algorithmic favour precisely because of its contentiousness. Under pressure from traffic competition, the professional gatekeeper function has largely been surrendered to algorithmic ranking systems guided by click-through rates and engagement metrics.<\/p>\n

Today, with the proliferation of generative AI technology, we have entered an era of \u2018probabilistic truth\u2019. The authenticity of information is no longer a black-and-white certainty, but rather a matter of trustworthiness requiring dynamic assessment.<\/p>\n

That moving video you watched may have been AI-generated; that expert analysis you read could originate from a fictional persona. A staggering 85% of AI-generated misinformation is entirely fabricated, capable of rapidly adapting to trending topics, primarily driven by economic incentives.<\/p>\n

This creates a dual predicament: algorithms construct external \u2018echo chambers\u2019 for us, while AIGC technology internally dilutes information credibility. Individuals find themselves trapped within a vast information labyrinth, unable to escape or discern their direction.<\/p>\n

II. From Self-Imposed Confinement to Emerging as \u2018Bees\u2019<\/span><\/h3>\n

Faced with this systemic dilemma, mere criticism proves inadequate. The concept of the \u2018information hive,\u2019 proposed in July this year by institutions such as Tencent Research Institute, centres on shifting from passive recipients to active explorers.<\/p>\n

Kevin Kelly introduced the \u2018swarm effect\u2019 in his 1994 book Out of Control, describing how dispersed autonomous decisions and coordinated actions among individuals generate collective intelligence surpassing individual capabilities. This aligns with the vision pursued by the information hive.<\/p>\n

The \u2018information hive\u2019 advocates a novel cognitive paradigm for the digital ecosystem: information flow should brim with diversity and vitality, fostering the collision of differing viewpoints to ultimately dissolve barriers and rebuild digital trust.<\/p>\n

Within this ideal ecosystem, we ought not to be silkworms confined within cocoons, but rather bees actively foraging among diverse flowers to gather varied pollen.<\/p>\n

This necessitates a fundamental shift in how we access information: moving from passively receiving algorithmically curated content to actively exploring through subscriptions, searches, and social sharing.<\/p>\n

III. How Individuals Can Practise \u201cInformation Hive\u201d Survival<\/span><\/h3>\n

Faced with an algorithm- and traffic-dominated self-media ecosystem, individuals often feel powerless. Yet when the entire system slows down, the most potent and immediate action one can take is to upgrade their \u201cinformation recognition system\u201d. This involves not merely learning techniques, but reshaping one’s cognitive habits to swiftly identify more credible \u201ctrust anchors\u201d amidst the information clutter.<\/p>\n

Transitioning from an \u2018information cocoon\u2019 to an \u2018information hive\u2019 requires building a personal defence and exploration system across at least three dimensions.<\/p>\n

First, consciously adopt a proactive stance in information acquisition. This entails deliberately breaking free from the passive cycle of endless scrolling. Regularly visit several authoritative media outlets with distinct perspectives and styles. When a trending topic arises, actively search using keywords rather than merely consuming the single viewpoint pushed to you.<\/p>\n

The UK’s Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals offers a concise action framework: \u2018Pause-Verify-Adjust\u2019. When emotions are stirred and fingers hover over share buttons, force a deliberate pause to assess whether the content aims to provoke anger or fear.<\/p>\n

Secondly, master practical tools for debunking misinformation. Confronting complex falsehoods requires established analytical frameworks. For instance, the \u20185Ws approach\u2019 involves questioning fundamental elements: who published it, when, and where.<\/p>\n

More systematic methods like the \u2018CRAAP test\u2019 examine five dimensions: currency (timeliness), relevance, authority, accuracy, and purpose. For images and videos, using reverse image search engines to verify sources has become essential digital literacy.<\/p>\n

Ultimately, become a co-builder of a healthy information ecosystem. The \u2018information hive\u2019 emphasises collaboration and co-creation. This means we are not merely consumers but active participants.<\/p>\n

When encountering rumours, politely point them out and provide evidence. When verifying quality information, actively share it to become a reliable node for trustworthy sources online. These seemingly minor individual efforts, when pooled together, can counter the viral spread of misinformation.<\/p>\n

IV. Establishing Personal \u201cInformation Order\u201d Amidst the Clamour<\/span><\/h3>\n

Beyond specific methods, the more fundamental challenge lies in establishing and safeguarding one’s inner \u201cinformation order\u201d in an era of relentless attention competition. This demands cultivating a profound \u201cmetacognitive\u201d ability \u2013 not merely consuming information, but constantly being aware of what information is shaping us, and how it moulds our emotions and perspectives.<\/p>\n

We must remain vigilant: the content most readily consuming traffic often relies on simplistic narratives, emotional manipulation, and polarisation. A discerning individual should consciously \u201cnourish\u201d themselves with complex, profound material demanding patient comprehension.<\/p>\n

When encountering self-media content, habitually question \u2018who is speaking\u2019 and \u2018why are they saying this?\u2019 Is it genuine expertise sharing insights, or clickbait chasing traffic? Is the purpose to stimulate thought, or to sell products, drive traffic, or stir emotions?<\/p>\n

When confronted with information that may provoke strong emotions or an urge to share\u2014particularly regarding social events, health advice, scientific discoveries, or sensational revelations\u2014instinctively pose these five questions:<\/p>\n

Who is the source? Is it transparent?<\/p>\n

What is the evidence? Is it comprehensive?<\/p>\n

Does the logic hold? Are there glaring flaws?<\/p>\n

How emotionally charged is it?<\/p>\n

What is the purpose of its dissemination?<\/p>\n

Shift from passive reception to active questioning, cultivating core critical thinking habits. At emotional peaks, resist the impulse to immediately share or take sides. Let the information \u201cfly for a while\u201d \u2013 reversals often occur within hours or days.<\/p>\n

Proactively seeking opposing viewpoints is the most effective step to break out of the \u201cinformation bubble\u201d. Deliberately search for rational challenges to your beliefs and examine the arguments presented by the opposing side (excluding non-emotional attacks).<\/p>\n

Embrace probabilistic truth: In complex events, absolute truth is rarely immediately attainable. Accept that information may have multiple facets; base judgements on the probability of existing evidence, and remain prepared to update perceptions with new evidence. In this era of probabilistic truth, we must learn to coexist with uncertainty. Rather than fixating on finding an absolute, singular truth, establish your most reliable cognitive model of events through cross-verification, tracing sources, and focusing on processes within a dynamic framework.<\/p>\n

Learn to distinguish between \u2018opinion\u2019 and \u2018fact\u2019: Self-media outlets predominantly disseminate opinions interwoven with facts. Practise separating the factual elements (verifiable data, events) from the opinionated elements (personal interpretations, evaluations).<\/p>\n

Establish an \u2018information coordinate system\u2019 using authoritative sources. For health matters, anchor your understanding to official guidelines from bodies like the World Health Organisation or the National Health Commission. For technology news, use publications from authoritative academic journals, leading universities, and research institutions as your reference points. Employ these to gauge the deviation of self-media content.<\/p>\n

Be wary of \u2018pseudo-professional\u2019 packaging. Titles like \u2018PhD from X University\u2019 or \u2018Former Senior Executive at Y Company\u2019 may be genuine, but are their views within their professional domain? Or are they crossing boundaries to make sensational claims for traffic?<\/p>\n

The \u2018information hive\u2019 is not some future vision bestowed upon us by a platform, but a survival philosophy urgently requiring personal practice by every netizen. It begins with a deliberate search, solidifies through refusing to share rumours, and is fortified by sustained curiosity about our complex world.<\/p>\n

Cultivating discernment takes time. Allow yourself occasional missteps, but reflect promptly. True information literacy centres on cognitive humility: recognising the limits of one’s understanding, maintaining scepticism towards certainties, and being willing to revise views in light of reliable evidence.<\/p>\n

Before systemic change occurs, the rational and prudent information consumption of each individual, when aggregated, constitutes a powerful market signal and public pressure. Over time, this can influence the direction of platforms and content creators. Attention is each person’s most precious resource, and \u2018trust\u2019 is our vote for the future of the information world. In this era of information overload, every moment of rational pause and scrutiny is an act of guardianship for the authentic world we hold dear.<\/p>\n

\u4e2d\u6587\u539f\u6587<\/a><\/p>\n

Translated <\/em>by DeepL<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Edited by Jas<\/em><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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\u3010\u89c2\u70b9\u3011| Insight For Sale By Wind,\u00a0Jointing.Media, in Shanghai , 2025-11-05 Recently, I stumbled upon an advertisement featuring the son of a certain domestic brand’s owner tearfully livestreaming. Recalling the group’s substantial donations during the pandemic, I impulsively placed an order. Upon receiving the product (a food item), I discovered it was damaged and promptly returned […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4,31],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1470","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-city","category-education-and-development"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jointings.org\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1470","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jointings.org\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jointings.org\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jointings.org\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jointings.org\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1470"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/jointings.org\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1470\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1473,"href":"https:\/\/jointings.org\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1470\/revisions\/1473"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jointings.org\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1470"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jointings.org\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1470"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jointings.org\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1470"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}