Purpose: This study aims to examine the impact of social exclusion on light social interaction among college students and to investigate the chain-mediating roles of algorithmic perception and social distance. Method: A questionnaire survey was conducted among 370 college students using the Social Exclusion Questionnaire, the Light Social Interaction Scale, the Algorithmic Perception Scale, and the Social Distance Scale. Results: (1) Social exclusion positively predicted light social interaction. (2) Algorithmic perception and social distance respectively mediated the relationship between social exclusion and light social interaction. (3) Algorithmic perception and social distance played a chain-mediating role between social exclusion and light social interaction. Conclusion: Social exclusion can not only directly affect college students' light social interaction but also indirectly influence it by reducing algorithmic perception and increasing social distance.