The gripping Netflix drama Adolescence – which tells the disturbing story of a 13-year-old boy accused of murdering a female classmate – has sparked conversations and concerns about how social media may be influencing young people.
The ‘algorithm effect’ keeps kids endlessly scrolling and is quietly shaping what they see, believe and even who they think they should be.
This Online Safety Advisory examines what algorithms and recommender systems are and offers some practical strategies to empower parents, carers and educators to help build critical thinking, challenge harmful narratives, and create open conversations with young people.
In this online safety advisory:
- What is an algorithm?
- What is a recommender system?
- How it plays out
- Why it matters
- How to stay safe
- eSafety's position
- Webinars
What is an algorithm?
Algorithms are the invisible systems that decide what we see online.
They are sets of rules or instructions that help computers solve problems or make decisions, such as curating your social media feed or suggesting a video to watch next.
Algorithms sort through enormous amounts of content to deliver personalised feeds, recommendations and search results.
While algorithms are not always harmful, their purpose is to maximise engagement – often at the expense of the user’s wellbeing.
This means they may amplify sensationalist, extreme or divisive content and push adolescents toward potentially harmful content such as unrealistic beauty standards, violent material, or hate speech.
What is a recommender system?
On digital platforms, recommender systems use data – preferences, age, likes, clicks, watch time, and demographics – to predict what you will find engaging, such as videos, songs, or products.
They drive the content you see on many platforms, including:
- TikTok (for You Page content)
- Instagram (Reels, Stories, explore page)
- YouTube (suggested videos, home feed, Shorts)
- Netflix (recommended movies and TV shows)
- Spotify (curated playlists and podcast suggestions)
- Amazon (product recommendations and personalised search results)
- Snapchat, Tinder, and other social apps (friend suggestions, ads, and chat content).
How it plays out
A young person may start with an initial interest in fitness or gaming.
But the algorithm will then amplify content that may be more extreme, controversial or emotionally charged.
Boys may be at risk of being exposed to themes of violent pornography, misogyny or unrealistic masculine ideals such as ‘looksmaxxing’.
Girls can be equally targeted, with a search about fitness or healthy diets drawing them into rabbit holes of harmful beauty ideals, disordered eating and suicidal ideation.
Why it matters
Understanding how algorithms influence adolescents is critical for fostering healthier digital interactions. Cumulative exposure can lead to:
- dependency – infinite scrolling and autoplay encourage compulsive behaviour that can make it harder for adolescents to disconnect
- misleading content – algorithms may promote misleading or harmful content, affecting young people’s understanding of important topics and shaping their world view
- distorted reality – content rabbit holes can draw young people deeper and deeper into content which may encourage or reinforce harmful attitudes, thoughts and behaviours. These echo chambers can warp expectations about life, relationships, and success.
How to stay safe
Parents, carers and educators can:
- learn how algorithms work and why they recommend certain content.
- discuss with young people how their feeds are shaped.
- set boundaries to limit screen time and encourage regular breaks.
- diversify online experiences beyond social media.
- use settings to manage privacy, apply filters and set time limits.
- report harmful content to the platform or to eSafety.gov.au
eSafety’s position
eSafety recognises the impact of algorithms on young people and urges platforms to prioritise safety over engagement.
The burden should not fall solely on parents, carers and educators to protect children from algorithmic influence.
Online service providers that use recommender systems are obliged under Australia’s Basic Online Safety Expectations to take reasonable steps to make sure those systems are safe and not used to promote illegal or harmful content and activity. In addition, eSafety encourages online service providers to follow Safety by Design principles so that transparency, accountability, and robust child protections are built into platforms from the outset.
Through our training and resources, we also guide Australians on how to enable settings to reduce exposure to harmful content or to refresh or curate their feeds.
Webinars
Boys and young men
eSafety is hosting free webinars in May and July, exploring the online experiences of boys and young men. These presentations will share practical tips to empower boys and young men to navigate the online world safely and respectfully. Register for these webinars on the eSafety website.
Algorithms and recommender systems
eSafety’s webinar for educators and youth serving professionals will examine the rewards and risks of recommender systems for young people. Register on the eSafety website.
Resources and further reading
To learn more about algorithms and their impact:
- Read eSafety’s position statement on recommender systems and algorithms.
- eSafety's boys and young men online research series explores their experiences and the ways they can be supported to develop positive masculinity.
- Read our blog on the Netflix drama Adolescence: Shining a light on the dark forces manipulating our teenagers.
- For advice on fostering digital wellbeing, check resources such as ReachOut and Headspace and eSafety’s digital wellbeing webpage.
