How does the TikTok algorithm know what you are thinking before you even search it up? How do influencers rise to popularity? What does it take to capture a digital audience's attention in a saturated online atmosphere? Given the trajectory of artificial intelligence and its proliferation online, will there be any way to distinguish what is “real” and what is “fake”?

Navigating the current social media landscape for creators and brands alike is a constantly evolving game of attempting to work with the algorithm instead of against it. TikTok’s “for you” feed revolutionized social media by prioritizing predictions of what users would want to see, rather than curating content they have already expressed an interest in. This has changed the way many popular social media platforms have organized their content. In combination with recommendations backed by unthinkable amounts of data, users are inundated with a never ending stream of addicting media that can have consequences socially and financially. This thesis delves into the relationship between content, data and data privacy concerns, artificial intelligence, and digital strategy as it relates to both individuals and companies in an ever changing, deeply interconnected digital environment.

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The Benjamin N. Duke Scholarship is a full ride merit scholarship within the Office of University Scholars & Fellows (OUSF). B. N. Duke Scholars are students from The Carolinas who excel academically, engage their communities, & aspire to become leaders at Duke & beyond

Program II is a Duke run individualized degree program where students examine & explore an area of scholarship by designing their own unique program of study & fulfilling its requirements by complementing the majors offered under Program I. This allows students to pursue intellectual interests across departmental boundaries.

The name of my Program II is Digital Social Algorithms. Social media is a relatively new method of networking & communicating with others. I studied how platforms are changing our relationship with three important facets of society: other people, visual media, & brands.

2019-2020

Core Concepts in Chemistry / Education as Liberation

First-Year German I / Black Feminism in Pop Culture

Genetics & Evolution / Organic Chemistry I

Sport & Society / First-Year German II

Fundamentals of Global Health

2021-2022

Intro to Computer Science / The Dynamic Earth

Intermediate German / Introduction to Visual Culture

Anthropology of Design & UX / Media & Conflict

Intro to Data Science / Theories of Visual Media Studies

2022-2023

Digital Imaging / Social Marketing

Web Based Multimedia Communications / Regression Analysis

Media, Entertainment, & Tech / Customer Empathy & Brand Design

Intro to Digital Humanities / Cyber Law

Fall 2023 (Duke/NYU Study Away)

Writing the City / Arts, Culture, & Performance

Internet Famous / NYC Internship at Qnary

Spring 2024

Product Management / Senior Capstone

Honors Thesis Workshop