Designing an Intervention Tool for End-User Algorithm Audits in Personalized Recommendation Systems

Abstract: As algorithms increasingly shape user experiences on personalized recommendation platforms, there is a growing need for tools that empower end users to audit these algorithms for potential bias and harms. This paper introduces a novel intervention tool, MapMyFeed, designed to support everyday user audits. The tool addresses key challenges associated with user-driven algorithm audits, such as low algorithm literacy, unstructured audit paths, and the presence of noise. MapMyFeed assists users by offering guiding prompts, tracking audit paths via a browser extension, and visualizing audit results through a live dashboard. The tool will not only foster users' algorithmic literacy and awareness but also enhance more transparent and fair recommendation systems.