mekka okereke Jul 28, 2023

If we pretend that the only options are:

1) Chronological feed
2) Algorithmic feed where a company chooses the algorithm and objective function

And we pretend that "Share of time is a perfect metric for happiness," then this might make sense.

But... time spent isn't a perfect metric for happiness, and there is another option: 3) Algorithmic feed where the user has more control of the algorithm and objective function.

Eg, chronological *is* an algorithmic feed!🙂🙃

https://www.wired.com/story/meta-just-proved-people-hate-chronological-feeds/

Meta Just Proved People Hate Chronological Feeds

Some social media users and lawmakers say chronological feeds are healthier. A new study found that Facebook and Instagram users who were forced to see time-ranked posts turned to TikTok instead.

WIRED
Show threadChrisJul 28, 2023
@mekkaokereke would a distinction between a “generic” and “personal” algorithm have any utility here? Maybe that just confuses the fact that it’s a Cartesian plot/spectrum, not a Boolean.
Show threadmekka okereke 

@anexanhume

Yes. Personal algorithms are hard to implement *well*, but there is a huge distinction between them and centrally defined algorithms.

And bonus: users become *deeply* invested in the creation and crafting of their personal algorithm ♥️. It's like carefully pruning a garden. This dude is less likely to sell this house *because* he's put years into getting his garden just how he likes it.

https://youtube.com/shorts/Aa2NtG0O-lA

Imagine if he could magically take his garden with him! 👍🏿

How to trim boxwood shrubs #shorts

YouTube
Jul 28, 2023 at 11:28amWeb
Show threadChrisJul 28, 2023
@mekkaokereke that resonates. For me, prime example is music. Despite all the money poured into discovery algorithms, almost all my favorite new music discoveries are via other means.
Show threadKatie FJul 28, 2023

@anexanhume @mekkaokereke Instead of music for me it is phone notifications. I want notifications with sound during work hours from my work calendar but not all the time (And why do "all day events have to alarm at midnight?).

Normally I mute my phone and put it face down. But I'm on-call every 6 weeks and I need sound on for just phone calls on those nights.

Show threadKatie FJul 28, 2023

@anexanhume @mekkaokereke

Instead of being able to individually set notification settings by time AND app I'm forced into broadbrush distinctions like turning off all sound/notifications or turning on them all.
Turning off all email notifications or all on.

And since I get just as many calls from coworkers personal phones as office phones when I'm on-call I can't even whitelist all of the possibly relevant phone numbers.