Loyola eCommons - Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium: Digital Suppression: How Algorithmic Bias Silences Marginalized Communities
 

Presenter Information

Andrea LopezmaloFollow

Major

Communication

Anticipated Graduation Year

2025

Access Type

Open Access

Abstract

This research explores the lived realities of algorithmic bias and digital suppression, focusing on how marginalized communities and social justice activists confront and adapt to online censorship. Through in-depth interviews and case studies, the project uncovers the creative strategies these groups employ to resist shadowbanning, algorithmic invisibility, and systemic platform bias. Despite limited resources, they continue to foster critical dialogue, share vital information, and build collective momentum across digital spaces. Rather than solely critiquing the harms of algorithmic suppression, this research highlights the resilience and innovation of those most affected. By centering their voices, it advocates for more transparent, equitable, and inclusive digital infrastructures—ones that amplify, rather than silence, the perspectives needed for meaningful social change.

Supported By

Lighthouse Foundation of Chicagoland, Loyola Students for Justice in Palestine, Loyola Students for Reproductive Justice

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https://www.linkedin.com/posts/andrea-lopezmalo_senior-capstone-project-activity-7282092239546163200-KbBw?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAADVSXBkBgfH3JYGZefRP3Kwlw3y_PFRCC84

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Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.

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Digital Suppression: How Algorithmic Bias Silences Marginalized Communities

This research explores the lived realities of algorithmic bias and digital suppression, focusing on how marginalized communities and social justice activists confront and adapt to online censorship. Through in-depth interviews and case studies, the project uncovers the creative strategies these groups employ to resist shadowbanning, algorithmic invisibility, and systemic platform bias. Despite limited resources, they continue to foster critical dialogue, share vital information, and build collective momentum across digital spaces. Rather than solely critiquing the harms of algorithmic suppression, this research highlights the resilience and innovation of those most affected. By centering their voices, it advocates for more transparent, equitable, and inclusive digital infrastructures—ones that amplify, rather than silence, the perspectives needed for meaningful social change.