The biases baked into some technologies, known as algorithmic bias, can be harmful to many groups, but experts say it's especially damaging to teens.

Algorithmic bias, in which computer systems display biased results, is a growing problem. Twitter users recently found an example of bias on the platform when an image-detection algorithm used to crop photos cropped out black faces in favor of white ones. The company apologized for the issue but has not yet released a fix. It's an example of the bias teens face when they go online, which they do more than any other age group, experts say.

“Most teens are unaware that social media companies use them to promote specific content that they think users will like, to keep them on the platform as long as possible,” said Dr. Mai-Ly Nguyen Steers, an assistant professor at Duquesne University's School of Nursing who studies social media use among adolescents/college students, in an email interview.

“Even if there is some level of awareness about the algorithm, the impact of not getting enough likes and comments is still significant and can affect teens’ self-confidence,” Steers adds.