@evan didn't realise this would be controversial until the poll closed and I saw the results.

I work with search and recommendation so the answer is clear to me - the only problem with algorithms is when other people control them.

As social media users we all apply algorithms by selectively directing our attention. Automating that, with blocks, filters, or a more complicated algorithm is purely empowering, as long as we are the ones in control.

I use lists heavily so I can decide which themes im reading about today. I'd love to have a version of that based on automatic topic tags - as long as I'm the one controlling it. That's the difference.

@LyallMorrison I listened to this incredible podcast episode with Ezra Klein, @pluralistic and Tim Wu.

One of the numbers that came up during the conversation was that, with algorithmic feeds, only SEVEN PERCENT (7%) of what people see on Instagram is from people they follow. Seven!

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/13/opinion/ezra-klein-podcast-doctorow-wu.html

@evan
@LyallMorrison @pluralistic

But they also claim they can't switch to the fediverse because nobody they follow is here 🙄

@KentNavalesi @evan @LyallMorrison @pluralistic

Of course. That's the big lie that's built into that dopamine jacking, cognitive capture. Someone Else's Algorithm has manipulated them into valuing the parasocial influencer connection over what they actually chose to relate to themselves, but that's a powerful drug. They literally feel grief if they lose the daily dose, not realizing they've already lost the actually meaningful connection they *wanted* once.

@johannab @evan @LyallMorrison @pluralistic

I feel ilke I missed some major cultural shift where it became normal to mindlessly consume whatever an algorithm feeds you. I just can't understand how people don't feel manipulated, especially considering all we know about actual, proven manipulation  

I also can't understand why a platform that gives you complete control isn't inherently more interesting than one that doesn't. It's disappointing to see so much complacency.

@KentNavalesi @evan

"Social media" hadn't even entered the lexicon when the fraud and manipulation mind games began to spread online.

We are, on the whole, squishy, leaky, flawed organic systems whose processes run on slightly electrified soup. We don't work well, particularly not as isolated units away from our collective which works to stabilize our weak spots as we shore up the gaps in others' functions.

The worst of us are smart enough to understand that and broken enough to exploit it.