Mediación algorítmica: sesgos en la búsqueda de información en estudiantes universitarios

Introduction: Internet information search is governed by web rules, requiring the mediation of a search algorithm. In this study, we aim to characterize the interaction between critical thinking and information saturation on the decisions of first-year students during information search processes, enabling the recognition of cognitive biases present in these decisions. Methodology: An experimental study was conducted with first-year students who completed three information search tasks. The GoNSA2 platform automatically recorded the search process traces for each task. Results: The main findings pertain to the operation of cognitive biases such as anchoring, ranking, and availability, which depend on the operation of critical thinking, information saturation, and the task context. Discussion: It is evident that the operation of biases depends on the combined interaction of critical thinking, information saturation, and the task context, making context a determinant of students' decisions. Conclusions: These findings support the importance of search models that enable new pedagogical strategies aimed at fostering critical information search competence.