Writing for Algorithmic Audiences

This article examines the role that algorithms may play as audiences when teaching writing on the World Wide Web. It argues that introducing the provisional term “algorithmic audience” reflects three prior conceptions of audience, including concrete situations, discourse community, and participatory audiences. It then offers a three-part classroom approach: identifying the biases of those who design algorithms, managing metadata, and anticipating audience response. I argue that the term “algorithmic audience” may help students to write for audiences beyond the instructor from within the confines of the classroom.