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Introducing computing and IT
Introducing computing and IT

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4.5 Summary of Section 4

While we enjoy a high degree of free speech in the west, one aspect of our internet society that went largely unreported until recently is the ability of very large technology companies, such as search engines and social media platforms, to influence what we see – and, in doing so, to influence us.

This section explored the example of medical information available to parents. You saw how our choice of search terms may decide whether we’re served with facts or myths. Welcome to a world in which computer algorithms can change our perception of reality.

After examining how information is made available to you on the web via search engines, in the next two sections, you will find out more about how information is stored on your computer. You will join Gloria and Rupert and learn about some of the technical details of how data is stored on your computer.