Discussion: AI for Discovery - How Systems Shape What We Find

Please submit all graded work via Canvas.
Participation requirements and grading details are provided in Canvas.

Before You Post

Before writing your discussion post, please do the following:

  1. Choose one information system you regularly use
    (e.g., Google, Google Scholar, a library catalog or discovery system, Netflix, Spotify).

  2. Choose one topic or interest, and interact with the system multiple times.

  3. As you interact, simply notice and describe:

    • What appears first
    • Whether the system shows summaries, recommendations, or suggested follow-up options
    • Whether different searches or actions seem to change what you see

You are not expected to explain how the system works internally.
The goal of this activity is to help you reflect on your experience as a user.

This preparation is intended to support your participation in the discussion below.

Discuss

Consider how you usually search for information: on Google, your library catalog, or a streaming platform like Netflix or Spotify.

In your original post (approx. 100–300 words), address the following:

  • What do you think determines what you see first in search or recommendation systems?
  • Have you noticed differences in how fair or transparent these systems feel?
  • Share an example where a search or recommendation system surprised you, for better or worse.

Draw on your own system observation from this week where appropriate.
You are not expected to explain technical algorithms. Focus on your experience, observations, and reflections as a user.