Topic 5: The Reality Bubble...Who is Controlling Your Feed?

About this episode

This episode explores how algorithms shape our social media feeds and the psychological effects of echo chambers on young adults.

Ever feel like your social media feed knows exactly what you're thinking? It’s not magic—it’s math. In this episode of Breaking Formation , we dive deep into the invisible algorithms that curate your digital life and create what we call "reality bubbles." Join hosts Merryl Tengesdal, Col, USAF (ret.), and Shea Phinney, MFT, as they uncover how these digital feedback loops shape your opinions, reinforce biases, and distort your perception of the world. Are you seeing the whole picture, or just what the algorithm wants you to see? We discuss the psychological impact of echo chambers on teens and young adults and share real-life stories about getting trapped in the scroll. Most importantly, we provide a flight plan for breaking out. Learn practical strategies to diversify your feed, spot algorithmic manipulation, and reclaim control over your online experience. Whether you're a parent worried about your child's digital diet or a young adult looking for clarity, this episode is your guide to staying grounded in a curated world. What’s the weirdest thing an algorithm has recommended to you? Let us know in the comments! 👍 Like this video, subscribe to our channel, and hit the…

People in this episode

Hosts: Merryl Tengesdal, Shea Phinney

Topics covered

• social media
• algorithms
• echo chambers
• digital life
• psychological impact
• youth
• online experience

Keywords

• algorithms
• reality bubbles
• social media feed
• echo chambers
• digital diet
• biases
• online experience

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: USAF

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