Algorithmic feeds dominate online content consumption

The way users discover content online has fundamentally shifted, moving away from direct creator follows or social connections. Algorithmic feeds on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts now dictate what users see, driven by complex algorithms with often conflicting incentives. This shift makes content attribution more difficult, as feeds are increasingly influenced by sophisticated gaming tactics employed by various internet users. The personalized nature of these feeds, while engaging, obscures the traditional pathways of content discovery and creator recognition.