"For you" isn't - The case against corporate algorithmic feeds
3 years ago by JustinHanagan to c/technology
Amazon has started this bullshit "for you" crap with lists. You know wish lists, the things you create to keep track of stuff you'd like to purchase, or share with others as gift ideas? If you're going there it's because you are ready to make a purchase of something that you want or need. But making a purchase isn't enough anymore? They're like "look at all this other shit we'd rather have you buy, instead of the stuff you want to buy". What in the actual fuck? Go away! Get fucked. Die!
I personally am a big advocate of "no entertainment on mobile devices" whatsoever, but that said- I've played around with this modified version of Instagram and it's pretty cool. I don't think it changes the sort to chronological, but it does remove suggested content and allows users to turn off stories, reels and more (use at your own risk, I have no idea the safety of this).
Since changing from Reddit to Lemmy, I’m absolutely pulling out my phone to browse mindlessly far less. And I’m back to reading articles in full.
I’m not sure even what it is about Reddit that made the app much more addictive. BecauseI was all third party since I was on Reddit, so I didn’t get the “recommended” Bullshit. Maybe it was the really specifically (self) tailored endless feed whereas with Lemmy I’m browsing all instances, a bunch of weird shit pops up that when an article I’m actually interested in comes across, I’m all in.
But I was also never on social media besides Reddit, so I wasn’t filling a void? I dunno
Is this open source or vetted in any way? I love the idea, but I don't want to just install some apk from a random site.
The choice between "Algorithm" and "Chronological" is a false dichotomy. Lemmy has several choices and the default for me is "active", not chronological. And why can't I have multiple separate streams of subscriptions by a grouping of my choice?
The essay is not about suggesting a dichotomy. The article is about how corporations sort their content feeds based on maximizing profitability, and the subsequent consequences that result for the end user (humans) in the form of endless distractions.
What's the story for Lemmy then? With no corporate interests behind the scenes, what metrics is Lemmy using to sort?
Lemmy devs actually publish their goals/methods for "hot" and "active" sorting here. You may find it of value!
The important difference, imo, is that Fediverse users have final say over the sorting of their own feeds. Reddit/Twitter/etc prioritize engagement, not actual value added to the user.
Thanks for the link!
Limbic capitalism. Good stuff.
Yeah, free market people really either love the idea of legalizing heroin OR pretending their is a clean and obvious line between what should be illegal in a free market and what's just kind of bad and reasonable people can control their urges over.
Good read. Thank you Justin.
You are most welcome!
Interesting article, I really liked it! I appreciated the link you made to keeping junk food in the house to encourage people to delete those apps off the phone. I wonder if the junkie statements at the beginning might be a turnoff to readers who might be on the fence (if that’s an audience you’re trying to appeal to)
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I really wish there were apps like LibreTube for all the other popular socials to circumvent "For You".
save