Research on algorithmic hegemony of international social media platforms: a perspective of power

Abstract

With the in-depth development of digital globalization, international social media has become an important field of international news, and international social media platforms use algorithms to define the scale and visibility of information dissemination and change public perception with their technical advantages and user size. From the perspective of power, this article explores the formation mechanism and influence path of the “algorithm hegemony” of international social media platforms. This study adopts the method of combining questionnaire survey and in-depth interviews to discuss around three core dimensions: First, analyze how algorithm technology hides the logic of decision-making and affects the opaque technology of information exposure. Secondly, based on the results of in-depth interviews and questionnaires, analyze how Western-dominated social media platforms use algorithmic rules to output values, suppress Chinese voices, and strengthen digital hegemony. Finally,we can explore how China can make a dynamic breakthrough at the level of system, technology and discourse shown in the process of dealing with algorithmic hegemony, improve overseas communication ability, ensure the objectivity and authenticity of information, and shape a good international image.