The engagement algos act almost as if viruses could lock you on a room with other carriers, forcing you to breathe their exhaust. And opening a window is nearly impossible. Nearly.
I've found I can intentionally influence the algo, although it fights me with temptation. But, sacrifice is the only way to grow. Acknowledging that is key.
I loved reading this. And I’ve known about the virtual “wind tunnel” effect for a long time. That’s why the far right or left wingers get nuttier and nuttier.
I long to read long-form content that takes time to digest. Do I produce it? No.
Why?
No one would read it. Sad truth.
I’m a realist.
Yet, I hope readers make this piece viral. It deserves it.
You give that to many, G. Don't doubt all you provide to us even in times of uncertainty and change. Btw still single? I know of a fine lady who's keen on you...r writing 😉
You seem to have a knack for finding connections between things, Gunnar. I like how you compared viral content to something like the common cold, given how hard it is to combat. And that's just the thing... I lament how difficult it is to get away from the influence of engagement algorithms, viral content, ads, and the like; it's like a virus! It's sad how such things can redefine entire cultures. However, I do think that long-form articles like yours work as a sort of antiviral medication. It's a nice departure from the type of viral content that makes people's brains sick. Very nice work tickling those metaphors!
I really love this post, Gunnar. I’ve been feeling the pull to shirk digital content in favor of real, physical books a lot lately. And something I am wondering now is about the interests that drive both viruses and algorithms. The interest in simply multiplying and reproducing seems such a base level interest—survival only. It makes me wonder what algorithms would look like if they had different interests, an interest in driving community or even facilitating human thriving.
Thanks, Danielle. For viruses, it's 'go forth and multiply' for sure. For algorithms, I see it more as playing to our own base interests to keep us hooked. It could be so much more, indeed...
From time to time you hear about attempts to immunise against fast-mutating viruses by targetting the more stable coat protein rather than the volatile spike proteins which are just decoys. But I don't think anybody has got this to work yet.
re whether viruses are living - I don't see any mystery here. It all depends on your definition of living. I'm with Schrödinger on this one and would say non-living.
The engagement algos act almost as if viruses could lock you on a room with other carriers, forcing you to breathe their exhaust. And opening a window is nearly impossible. Nearly.
I've found I can intentionally influence the algo, although it fights me with temptation. But, sacrifice is the only way to grow. Acknowledging that is key.
Great metaphore, Dave. I agree; it's possible but difficult to push back against the algorithms.
You can tickle my metaphors anytime, Gunnar. LOL!
I loved reading this. And I’ve known about the virtual “wind tunnel” effect for a long time. That’s why the far right or left wingers get nuttier and nuttier.
I long to read long-form content that takes time to digest. Do I produce it? No.
Why?
No one would read it. Sad truth.
I’m a realist.
Yet, I hope readers make this piece viral. It deserves it.
Thanks, Monalisa! I hope it was an enjoyable tickle.
Thank goodness, A new Subtle Sparks post! I cling to this sprinkle of joy and nourishment during a time of highly processed mental junk food 🤍
Thank, H. Joy and nourishment, totally here for it.
You give that to many, G. Don't doubt all you provide to us even in times of uncertainty and change. Btw still single? I know of a fine lady who's keen on you...r writing 😉
Alas for the fine lady, I am spoken for.
Damn. Lucky lass.
You seem to have a knack for finding connections between things, Gunnar. I like how you compared viral content to something like the common cold, given how hard it is to combat. And that's just the thing... I lament how difficult it is to get away from the influence of engagement algorithms, viral content, ads, and the like; it's like a virus! It's sad how such things can redefine entire cultures. However, I do think that long-form articles like yours work as a sort of antiviral medication. It's a nice departure from the type of viral content that makes people's brains sick. Very nice work tickling those metaphors!
Thanks, Michael.
It is indeed sad, but thankfully there are people who (try to) provide a good helping of antivirals ;).
I am currently writing about the value of friction in psychotherapy as opposed to AI chatbots. This really hits home.
Oh, that sounds interesting!
I really love this post, Gunnar. I’ve been feeling the pull to shirk digital content in favor of real, physical books a lot lately. And something I am wondering now is about the interests that drive both viruses and algorithms. The interest in simply multiplying and reproducing seems such a base level interest—survival only. It makes me wonder what algorithms would look like if they had different interests, an interest in driving community or even facilitating human thriving.
Thanks for your real human writing, as always.
Thanks, Danielle. For viruses, it's 'go forth and multiply' for sure. For algorithms, I see it more as playing to our own base interests to keep us hooked. It could be so much more, indeed...
Excellent!
From time to time you hear about attempts to immunise against fast-mutating viruses by targetting the more stable coat protein rather than the volatile spike proteins which are just decoys. But I don't think anybody has got this to work yet.
re whether viruses are living - I don't see any mystery here. It all depends on your definition of living. I'm with Schrödinger on this one and would say non-living.
Great point, Malcolm, thanks.
Perhaps we could create some kind of herd immunity to viral content that's independent of one's personal bubble or even platforms themselves.
Wait, I think the name for that is wisdom