The Road Home with Ethan Nichtern

Ep. 165 - Against The Stream: Karma, Mindfulness, and The Algorithms We (Don't Have To) Live By

Jan 19, 2026
They dig into how predictive algorithms shape our habits and attention. The conversation contrasts algorithmic recommendations with human community like book clubs and sangha. They explore mindfulness practices that create gaps of awareness to resist manipulative tech. They question whether AI can truly teach dharma and highlight the ethical costs of profit-driven attention extraction.
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INSIGHT

Algorithms Predict And Shape Behavior

  • Algorithms predict behavior by taking input and offering the next desired action based on patterns.
  • Ethan Nichtern frames algorithms as data devices that mold choices, not neutral helpers.
ANECDOTE

Obeying The Algorithm — A Personal Example

  • Ethan jokingly admits he "obey[s] the algorithm" when liking bands like Arcade Fire to illustrate algorithmic cultural shaping.
  • He uses this personal example to ask how much of our taste is pre-determined by recommendation systems.
INSIGHT

Community Versus Algorithmic Recommendations

  • Algorithmic recommendations differ fundamentally from human community recommendations in relational context and intentionality.
  • Ethan contrasts Amazon-style suggestions with bookstore or book-club guidance as differing in awareness and relationality.
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