It Ends with Us: How Social Media Algorithms Shape Recommendations in Online Reading Communities
Year: 2025
Type: dissertation
Abstract: My thesis explores social media algorithms and their influence on recommendations of authors for people who engage with reading communities online. During a three-week research period, I examined algorithmic behaviors in online book communities using an alias. Findings revealed that BookTube, BookTok, and Bookstagram facilitate book discovery but offer weak algorithmic recommendations and suggestions. While social media algorithms excel at providing opportunities for creators and authors, they fail to promote trending and diverse books. These insights indicate that algorithms shape literary consumption by limiting readers’ choices. This research contributes to discussions of online reading communities and the role of algorithmic bias in hindering suggestions of titles and authors.
DOI: 10.25777/ns10-0c83
Author: Whitley, Alana Nicole
Institution: Old Dominion University
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W6927034674
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