Join our paid research study

The research team consists of Jessie J. Smith, PhD candidate in Information Science, Casey Fiesler, Associate Professor in Information Science, and Robin Burke, Full Professor in Information Science. We study algorithms and fairness. 

We’re interested in learning more about how recommendation system providers (e.g., TikTok creators, Instagram influencers, Spotify musicians, iTunes podcasters, dating app users, digital marketplace sellers) are treated unfairly by recommendation and ranking algorithms, and how you would like these algorithms and platforms to be improved.

We are looking for people who are 18+ years of age, who fall into one of these three categories:

1. Content/Video Creator: You create videos or other content for TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, or other similar platforms. You may or may not have made money through the platform from your content before.
2. Dating App User: You are a dating app user who has used apps such as Tinder, Bumble, or Hinge. You might currently pay or have previously paid for additional non-free features on the app.
3. Microlending Borrower: You live in the United States and you have directly posted a loan or tried to receive funding from websites like Kiva Microfunds, GoFundMe, or Kickstarter.

You will participate in a 90 minute virtual focus group over zoom with 4-9 participants total. The focus group will allow participants to discuss challenges they have faced with exposure and fairness in recommendation and ranking algorithms, as well as ways that they envision these algorithms and platforms could be improved. Participants will be compensated for the focus group with a $30 USD Amazon gift card.

 Please fill out the form below to let us know you are interested. Jessie will get in touch with you to schedule your focus group or to let you know if we already have enough participants. You can also use the form below to ask questions about the study.