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Before starting this assignment, I didn’t really think about how much my news consumption was shaped by algorithms. I mostly relied on the same news sources and social media platforms, which meant I was often seeing stories that matched my existing interests and viewpoints. This lab helped me recognize that these habits created a filter bubble that limited the range of information I was exposed to.

To pop my filter bubble, I used three specific actions throughout the week. First, I began using incognito or private browsing mode when searching for news. Doing this helped reduce personalized recommendations and made me more aware of how different search results can look without my browsing history influencing them. Second, I cleared my Google web history, which helped prevent past searches from continuing to shape what content I was shown. Third, I took steps to protect my personal data by hiding my birthday on social media, which made me more conscious of how personal information can be used to track and personalize content.

In addition to these actions, I checked new credible news sources every day, including PBS News, NPR, and The Hill. These sources felt more balanced and informative compared to the quick headlines I usually see on social media. Reading them daily helped me slow down and focus on understanding issues rather than just reacting to headlines. I noticed that these outlets often provided more context and less emotionally charged language, which made it easier to think critically about the topics being discussed.

One challenge I faced during this process was staying open-minded when reading viewpoints that differed from my own. It can be uncomfortable to confront information that challenges personal beliefs, but this experience showed me how important it is to see multiple perspectives in order to understand the full picture. Over time, this became easier and more rewarding.

Overall, popping my filter bubble helped me become more aware of my information biases and how algorithms influence what I see online. While the internet itself did not drastically change, my approach to consuming news did. This assignment encouraged me to be more intentional about my information diet, and I plan to continue using these strategies to stay better informed.