Culips Everyday English Podcast Chatterbox #340 – How algorithms affect us
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Oct 17, 2025 Discover how algorithms shape our online experiences and dictate what we see and buy. Andrew and Anna dive into the world of echo chambers and rage bait, revealing how these digital systems can manipulate our emotions. They share personal anecdotes, including Andrew's humorous tale of being bombarded with hair transplant ads. The hosts explore the balance between business goals and user needs, discuss the rapid personalization of content on platforms like TikTok, and ponder the ethical implications of letting algorithms make significant life decisions.
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Embarrassing Instagram Feed Reveals Habits
- Anna described her Instagram explore page reflecting her browsing habits with makeup and dogs, leaving her embarrassed about her feed.
- She blamed algorithms for nudging her into unnecessary purchases and impulse buys.
Hair-Transplant Ads Flood His Feed
- Andrew clicked a hair-transplant video and then his entire feed filled with hair-related ads and content.
- He found the experience spooky and a clear example of how algorithms track and amplify small actions.
Algorithms Mirror Human Biases
- Algorithms reflect their creators' biases because humans design them and set priorities.
- Small tweaks or hidden motives can change what content gets promoted and who benefits.
