Arvanitakis (2017) reveals the prevalence of algorithms in our everyday lives and likens the often manipulated information we view on Google or Facebook to “propaganda.” This article provides a shocking reality check for anyone unaware of the influence of algorithms in our daily lives. For instance, every Facebook “Like” helps algorithms learn more about us, making it easier to directly target us with ads/campaigns that relay the biases of the people/organisations that have created them (Arvanitakis, 2017). Although the media occasionally reports on this, there is undoubtedly a large proportion of the population that remains ignorant to the impact of algorithms in our decision-making. Specifically, older users over 65 are more likely to share fake news, perhaps in relation to lower digital literacy levels (Hern, 2019).
Arvanitakis (2017) argues that while artificial intelligence has many possible benefits, democracy as we know it is in jeopardy if things continue on this path. In order to combat this issue, there needs to be greater emphasis on where information comes from. This can be done through regulations which make algorithms transparent and allow corrections to be made to reduce bias (Ehrenmann as cited in Saraga, 2017).
Libraries, as well as educational institutions, play a key role in the development of literacy and digital literacy skills. These skills are imperative for citizens to consciously evaluate resources for currency, relevance, accuracy, authority and purpose to make informed decisions about information (Cassell & Hiremath, 2018). Users need to be aware of the risks of online content to ensure they know how algorithms influence them (Saraga, 2017). University courses in data ethics are useful; however these academic institutions only have access to a small percentage of the population. Information service institutions, such as libraries, have access to a larger percentage of the population, including disadvantaged groups. As such, these institutions would be an ideal place to teach data ethics and encourage users to think about the morality of data.
References
Arvanitakis, J. (2017, August 11). If Google and Facebook rely on opaque algorithms, what does that mean for democracy? ABC News. Retrieved from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-10/ai-democracy-google-facebook/8782970?pfmredir=sm
Cassell, K. A., & Hiremath, U. (2018). Reference and information services: an introduction (4th ed.). Retrieved from https://web-a-ebscohost-com.access.library.unisa.edu.au/ehost/ebookviewer/ebook/bmxlYmtfXzE4NjM0NjJfX0FO0?sid=7257553b-5d52-420d-8304-a9b6d67fe1ed@sdc-v-sessmgr03&vid=0&format=EB&lpid=lp_57&rid=0
Hern, A. (2019). Older people more likely to share fake news on Facebook, study finds. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/jan/10/older-people-more-likely-to-share-fake-news-on-facebook
Saraga, D. (2017). Opinion: Should algorithms be regulated? Retrieved from https://phys.org/news/2017-01-opinion-algorithms.html
Image Attribution
Carrie, Glen. (n.d.). Television showing man using binoculars. Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/ra4vJwxnvAo
Library Technology Blog 
Excellent discussion. Yes, this issue can be more difficult for older people and also people with cognitive difficulties. You are right libraries play a role in education as do schools.
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