[Purpose/significance] In the context of the rapid development of artificial intelligence technology, algo? rithms have become an indispensable "behind-the-scenes partner" for people to obtain and use information. However, the negative effects of algorithm use are gradually disclosed, and the corresponding people's knowledge and understand? ing of algorithms are scarce. The analysis of the composition of algorithm awareness and the mechanism of its role in al? gorithm interaction is conducive to the search for ways to cultivate algorithm awareness and enhance the adaptability of the public to changes in the technological environment. [Method/process] This study focuses on digital natives who are highly adaptable to the digital environment and interact more frequently with algorithms. 29 international students in China were interviewed, and the interview data were coded at three levels using rooting theory to discover the compo? nents of algorithmic awareness and their mechanisms of action. [Result/conclusion] This study finds that the current algorithm awareness of digital natives consists of concept awareness, data awareness, function awareness and risk awareness. Digital natives enter the algorithmic environment through platform selection, realize algorithmic interaction, and form algorithm awareness in the process of interaction. Algorithm awareness is the source of their algorithmic atti? tudes and works together with algorithmic attitudes to influence digital natives' algorithmic management behaviors. The mechanism of the role of algorithm awareness is clarified, and strategies for cultivating algorithm awareness is proposed based on this.