Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

A Review of the Guiding Mechanism of Social Media Recommendation Algorithms on User Consumption Behavior

Rongfei LiuUniversity of Pittsburgh*

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

With the rapid development of social media, recommendation algorithms play an increasingly important role in information dissemination and user consumption. However, existing studies have examined technical mechanisms or short-term behavior, neglecting the impact of algorithms on consumption culture and long-term social outcomes. Therefore, this study explores the mechanisms via which social media recommendation algorithms guide user consumption behavior and shape consumption culture, while exploring user, platform, and algorithm interactions. Through literature review and case study methods, it analyzes relevant academic studies and practical examples from typical social media platforms to reveal how algorithms influence consumption decisions and behaviors via mechanisms of content distribution, psychological inducement, and dynamic co-construction. The results indicate that recommendation algorithms alter users’ information access and consumption choices while shaping the consumption culture through trends, social identity, and instant gratification. Besides, platforms use commercial logic to reshape distribution and enhance user experience via perception-feedback, boosting traffic and commercial value.

Keywords: Social Media; Recommendation Algorithm; Consumption Behavior; Guiding Mechanism; Collaborative Construction
Published: November 11, 2025
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/2025.KM29398
Volume: CHR Vol.92
pp. 97-103
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