The Role of Social Media Algorithms in Shaping Public Discourse and Opinion Formation

1. Introduction 1.1 Background and Context 1.2 Purpose of the Study 1.3 Research Questions 1.4 Structure of the Paper 2. Understanding Social Media Algorithms 2.1 Definition and Functionality 2.2 Evolution of Algorithms 2.3 Types of Algorithms 3. Influence on Public Discourse 3.1 Content Promotion Strategies 3.2 Echo Chambers and Filter Bubbles 3.3 Viral Phenomena and Trends 4. Impact on Opinion Formation 4.1 Persuasion Techniques 4.2 Misinformation and Fake News 4.3 Algorithmic Bias 5. Case Studies 5.1 Major Social Media Platforms 5.2 Political Campaigns 5.3 Social Movements 6. Ethical Considerations 6.1 Privacy Concerns 6.2 Accountability of Tech Companies 6.3 Regulation and Policy 7. Future Trends and Developments 7.1 Advancements in AI 7.2 Consumer Awareness 7.3 Changes in User Engagement 8. Conclusion 8.1 Summary of Findings 8.2 Implications for Society 8.3 Recommendations for Future Research