Decoder Ring Why Do So Many Coffee Shops Look the Same?
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Feb 14, 2024 Explore the eerie similarity of coffee shops worldwide and how algorithms are shaping cafe culture. From the evolution of Starbucks to the rise of generic coffee shop aesthetics, discover the impact of digital behavior on physical spaces. Uncover how online exposure leads to a loss of uniqueness while finding comfort in the familiar cafe experience.
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Generic Coffee Shops
- Kyle Chayka noticed a global sameness in coffee shops around 2015.
- These cafes shared minimalist aesthetics like white tiles, plants, and Edison bulbs.
Starbucks and Cafe Culture
- Starbucks' rise in the 90s introduced espresso drinks to mainstream America.
- This led to a boom in unique, independent cafes, unlike today's standardized ones.
Internet's Influence
- The internet and coffee shops boomed simultaneously, creating spaces for online work.
- Early internet's information overload led to algorithms designed to filter content.