How Algorithms Determine What’s Trending and Their Impact on Culture

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Algorithms are sets of rules or calculations used by digital platforms to sort, filter, and prioritize content. On social media, streaming services, and search engines, algorithms determine what content is shown to users based on data such as past behaviour, interests, engagement (likes, shares, comments), and location. For example, TikTok's "For You Page" uses an algorithm that quickly learns what users like and then serves similar content to keep them watching.

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This process has a powerful impact on culture. By amplifying certain voices, styles, or ideas, algorithms can shape trends—deciding what music becomes popular, what fashion styles are “in,” or which social movements gain visibility. However, this influence can also create echo chambers, limit exposure to diverse viewpoints, and even push harmful or misleading content if it receives high engagement.

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Because algorithms are designed to maximise engagement, they often prioritise sensational, emotionally charged, or controversial content. This means what's trending may not always be what’s most informative or accurate. Overall, algorithms now play a major role in shaping public opinion, youth culture, and consumer behaviour, making it essential for young people to understand how they work—and question what they see online.

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1. What is an algorithm, and how is it used online?

2. How do platforms like TikTok decide what content to show you?

3. In what ways can algorithms shape popular culture?

4. What are some negative effects of algorithm-driven content?

5. Why is it important for young people to understand how algorithms work?

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1. TikTok Trends
TikTok remains a dominant platform, with viral challenges, dances, and memes shaping youth culture. Trends like the "Rizz Challenge" and "Girl Math" are popular among teens.

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2. AI-Powered Shopping
AI-enhanced shopping experiences, such as virtual fitting rooms and personalized discounts, are gaining popularity among young shoppers in the UK.

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3. Bloomers Fashion Trend
The revival of bloomers, 19th-century frilly undergarments, has emerged as a prominent outerwear trend, popularized by celebrities and influencers.

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4. Babydoll Dresses
Babydoll dresses, a hallmark of 1990s fashion, have made a significant comeback, reimagined with modern flair by leading designers.

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5. Kick Flare Trousers
Kick flare trousers are back in style, offering a flattering silhouette and pairing well with various outfits for a retro-chic vibe.

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6. Running Clubs for Teens
Run clubs have become community hubs for teens, offering a social and inclusive alternative to traditional dating apps.

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7. Preloved Shopping
There's a surge in secondhand goods shopping among younger people, driven by cost-effectiveness and environmental concerns.

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8. Memes and GIFs
Using memes and GIFs remains a strong trend, with platforms like TikTok and Instagram being popular sources for creating and sharing them.

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9. AI in Social Media
Artificial Intelligence is increasingly integrated into social media platforms, impacting how content is created and consumed by teens.

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10. Mental Health Awareness
There's a growing focus on mental health among teens, with increased awareness and resources available to support their well-being.

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Trending Spring 2025​

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Significance of Netflix's Apple Cider Vinegar (2025)

Apple Cider Vinegar is a Netflix series that dramatizes the rise and fall of Belle Gibson, an Australian wellness influencer who falsely claimed to have cured her terminal brain cancer through alternative medicine. The series, starring Kaitlyn Dever, delves into the dangers of influencer culture and the spread of misinformation in the wellness industry. It highlights how Gibson's fabricated story led to widespread media attention, book deals, and app downloads, all built on deceit. The show serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unverified health claims and the ethical responsibilities of influencers. Its popularity underscores a growing public interest in stories that expose fraudulent behaviors and the impact of social media on public trust.​

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1. What was Belle Gibson's false claim that led to her fame?

2. How did Apple Cider Vinegar portray the influence of social media on public perception?​

3. Why is it important to verify health information before believing or sharing it?

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 Big Brother UK (2025)

The 2025 season of Big Brother UK marks a return to its roots as a social experiment, reflecting significant societal changes since its last airing five years ago. Producers aimed to cast housemates who represent diverse sections of modern Britain, encompassing various ages, backgrounds, and identities. The lineup includes individuals like Dylan, a DJ with a disability; Farida, a 50-year-old hijab-wearing makeup artist; and Noky, a banker and former Miss Great Britain. This diversity fosters discussions on mental health, political viewpoints, empowerment, prejudice, and equality. The show's return has resonated with audiences, amassing nearly 100 million streams on ITVX, indicating its cultural relevance and appeal. ​

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1. How does the casting of diverse housemates in Big Brother UK reflect changes in British society?​

2. What topics are being explored through the interactions of the housemates?​Cosmopolitan

3. Why has the 2025 season of Big Brother UK garnered significant viewership

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Netflix's Adolescence (2025)

Netflix's Adolescence is a British drama that delves into the complexities of toxic masculinity, online radicalisation, and adolescent violence. The series follows 13-year-old Jamie Miller, who fatally stabs a classmate after being influenced by misogynistic online communities. It has sparked widespread discussions about the impact of digital culture on youth, particularly boys. The show's raw portrayal of these issues has led to its inclusion in UK secondary schools, endorsed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who described it as profoundly impactful . Adolescence has resonated globally, amassing over 114.5 million viewers and prompting debates in political and educational spheres . Its success underscores the growing demand for media that addresses the challenges faced by young people in the digital age.​

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1. What societal issues does Adolescence address through its narrative?​

2. How has the UK government responded to the series' portrayal of youth violence?​

3. What impact has Adolescence had on global audiences and media discussions?

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