We unleashed Facebook and Instagram’s algorithms on blank accounts. They served up sexism and misogyny

Experts say it is important people be able to critically assess what is being served to them on social media and not accept it as a reflection of reality. Illustration: Nash Weerasekera/The Guardian

How do the algorithms of Facebook and Instagram affect what you see in your news feed? To find out, Guardian Australia unleashed them on a completely blank smartphone linked to a new, unused email address.

Three months later, without any input, they were riddled with sexist and misogynistic content.