Algorithmic Personalisation Versus Informational Diversity. The Instagram User’s Perception

The contemporary information ecosystem, dominated by social digital platforms, has undergone a major transformation in how users access and consume content, largely due to the growing integration of algorithms. These computational systems act as gatekeepers that filter and reorganise information according to logics that anticipate and shape user preferences. Although algorithmic personalisation offers convenience, it raises significant ethical and democratic concerns regarding the plurality of voices and free access to information. This study examines the guiding question: “What perceptions do Instagram users demonstrate about the relationship between algorithmic personalisation and information diversity?” The objective is to evaluate users’ levels of awareness and criticism regarding the impact of algorithms on news consumption, contributing to a broader understanding of how automated systems structure information flows and influence access to diverse perspectives. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining a questionnaire (n=114 valid responses) and semi-structured interviews (n=11). This design captures how users perceive algorithmic influence on their informational experience and the degree to which they feel their informational freedom is affected. Findings reveal a central paradox: although users acknowledge algorithmic personalisation as part of their everyday digital experience, they demonstrate limited understanding of its broader consequences for information diversity and the potential erosion of pluralism. Despite recognising the influence of their interactions on the content they receive, their critical comprehension remains superficial. The study contributes to human–computer convergence research by demonstrating how user behavior is shaped by systems operating under technological monopoly and centralised control, constraining autonomy and challenging the foundational principles of transparency and agency in human–computer interaction.