💾 Archived View for altesq.net › ~evenfire › posts › proprietary-algorithms.gmi captured on 2023-01-29 at 03:07:21. Gemini links have been rewritten to link to archived content
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We'll inevitably encounter algorithms in our day-to-day life, but it matters that we should not succumb to the manipulation that's going on by proprietary ones.
Proprietary algorithms, such as the ones used on commercial social-media or search engines, actively manipulate us with the data they gather from our usage of their platforms. Algorithms decide trends, what becomes popular or not, and largely play a part in the daily happenings of the world. This is why it's important to not get swayed by them at every step, sabotaging our view of the world, with an artificially customised one by the platform owners.
We'll encounter them sooner or later, even if one steers clear of manipulative platforms, such is the task that we should try to seek if a curated view is presented, by hiding information, purposefully giving more importance to a view point and so on.
I've personally tried to RSS my way through the WWW, in order to avoid algorithms, although I still have to face some. This is why I try to be on the Small Web more than often nowadays, aside from the usual pleasantries of being here.
It all boils down to being mindful about what we view and how it affects us, our views, personality, and mental well-being. Getting filled with rage because proprietary algorithms amplify what is profitable will not help. Sometimes, we have to take a break.