Magical Overthinkers Overthinking About The Algorithm
9 snips
Oct 29, 2025 
Join linguist Adam Aleksic, the Etymology Nerd and author of AlgoSpeak, as he unpacks the enigma of algorithms that shape our digital lives. Delve into how these invisible forces dictate our attention and creativity, sparking irrational thought spirals like AI soulmate communities. Adam examines the balance between critiquing and relying on algorithms, sharing insights on ethical virality and their influence on language and societal archetypes. He also discusses the personalization of our feeds and the complexities of algorithm-driven identities.
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Why We Treat Algorithms Like Actors
- People personify algorithms because it's easier to tell a story and assign agency to them.
- This simplification hides the complex, commercial incentives shaping what we see.
Using The Algorithm Against Itself
- Adam uses the algorithm to push followers to non-algorithmic media like his book and Substack.
- He depends on the algorithm for his livelihood while critiquing its constraints.
Democratization With Hidden Conditions
- Platforms democratize who can publish but enforce what content gets distributed.
- Creators must conform to platform biases or risk being unseen.
