A wide variety of social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, claim that their algorithms and A.I. were designed to facilitate social connection and meaningful interpersonal communication. But do these claims really match up with the experiences of social media users? Through a series of longitudinal surveys and experiments, Taylor will introduce “The Lonely Algorithm Problem” to explain the paradox of algorithmic personalization promoting personal relationships. Drawing from the algorithm responsiveness process framework, this talk will advance a sociotechnical perspective on how algorithms and A.I. influence relationship formation, maintenance, and dissolution processes. Perceived algorithm responsiveness and insensitivity will be positioned as theoretical mechanisms explaining issues central to the lonely algorithm problem. This ongoing research program from Taylor ultimately questions claims from social media platforms that tweaks to an algorithm’s code can cause better personal relationships.

Samuel Hardman Taylor studies interpersonal and psychological processes in social media, mobile phones, and other communication technologies. His research focuses on the implications of digital media for personal relationships and psychological well-being. He is interested in human-computer interaction, emphasizing designing new technologies to support relationships, empathy, and mental health. Sam earned his doctoral degree in communication from Cornell University, and he is currently an assistant professor of communication at the University of Illinois Chicago.