This chapter investigates the relationship between experience using the Internet, self-perceived search skills, knowledge about algorithms, and how this affects trust in and use of platforms. Although algorithms are an essential part of how the Internet functions, there is little research about how well the general public understands these algorithms, if and how this is connected to Internet skills, and how this (lack of) knowledge affects if and how Internet users utilize and trust certain platforms, such as search engines or social media. Whereas there have been a few studies that explore Facebook, users’ understanding of other algorithm-based platforms, such as search engines, is largely a topic that has been unexplored. This chapter will quantitatively explore these relationships using a representative sample of about 2, 000 U.S. Internet users. The results contribute to furthering our understanding of algorithmic literacy and its consequences for trust and use practices.
