Living in a Filtered World: Are Algorithms Choosing Our Interests?

Imagine you’re at a grand buffet with an endless variety of dishes from around the world. You’re excited to try a bit of everything, but then a server starts bringing food directly to your table. At first, it’s great — the dishes match your taste perfectly. But after a while, you notice that you’re only being served a limited selection. You’re missing out on the rest of the buffet, and the excitement of exploring new flavours is gone. The server, trying to be helpful, has ended up deciding your meal for you.

In today’s digital age, algorithms are like that server, bringing us only the content they think we’ll like based on what we’ve consumed before. From the videos we watch to the products we buy, our experiences are carefully curated. While this can make life easier, it also means we might be missing out on the vast array of possibilities. The question is, are we still exploring the full buffet of life, or are we just eating the same dishes over and over?

The Rise of the Algorithm

At first glance, this might seem like the best thing since sliced bread. Who wouldn’t want a personalised experience? Algorithms save us time by sorting through the vast ocean of information and delivering what we’re most likely to enjoy. Platforms like Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube have perfected the art of recommendation, often introducing us to content that fits neatly within our existing preferences.

However, this convenience comes with a hidden cost. The choices that algorithms present us with are based on our past behaviour, not necessarily on our potential for new interests. Are these choices genuinely ours, or are we being gently nudged toward what the algorithm thinks we should like?

When you log onto social media, your feed is a curated collection of posts that an algorithm believes you’ll engage with. Netflix recommends movies and shows based on your viewing history, and online stores suggest products you didn’t even know you needed. We’ve all been there, mindlessly scrolling through Instagram, only to find an ad for a product that seems to read our minds. It’s convenient, yes, but it’s also a little unnerving.

The Illusion of Choice

We like to believe that we are the masters of our own interests and that our hobbies and preferences are unique to us. However, when algorithms constantly filter what we see, hear, and experience, we have to ask ourselves: are we making these choices, or are the choices being made for us?

Consider this: when was the last time you stumbled upon a new hobby, book, or song purely by chance? In the digital realm, these random encounters are less likely. Instead, we’re presented with options carefully tailored to our past behaviour. We’re living in echo chambers where our current interests are reinforced, leaving little room for growth or exploration.

This phenomenon is often called the “filter bubble,” where our exposure to diverse perspectives and new ideas is limited. We see the same type of content repeatedly, reinforcing our beliefs and preferences. While this might make our online experience more comfortable, it can also make it predictable and, dare I say, a little boring.

A Filter Bubble of Interests

The filter bubble not only limits our exposure to diverse ideas but also confines us within a digital echo chamber. For instance, a social media platform might show you posts that align with your political views, slowly reinforcing your beliefs without exposing you to differing perspectives. Similarly, if you often listen to pop music, you’re less likely to be recommended a classical piece or an indie band that doesn’t fit your usual profile.

We’re less likely to stumble upon a music band, read a thought-provoking article from a different perspective, or discover a passion for pottery simply because these things don’t fit our algorithmic profile. Our online experiences are optimized for engagement, not necessarily for broadening our horizons.

The Philosophy of Choice

Here’s where it gets philosophical: What does it mean to have interests? Are they inherent, a part of who we are? Or are our interests shaped by our environment and experiences? If the latter is true, then the environment created by algorithms is undoubtedly playing a significant role in shaping who we are.

To add another layer, consider this: shouldn’t we be more thoughtful about the things we like? Imagine truly knowing you like something not because it was repeatedly shown to you in a feed or recommended by an algorithm but because you had a real encounter with it. Picture listening to a song for the first time, not caring how many others have streamed it, and simply sitting with your own feelings about it. Imagine buying a piece of clothing not because it’s trending or endorsed by influencers but because it resonates with your own sense of style.

Balancing the Algorithmic Influence

To be fair, algorithms aren’t inherently bad. They offer convenience, efficiency, and a personalized experience that can enrich our lives. They introduce us to new music that aligns with our taste or suggest articles based on our reading habits, helping us manage the overwhelming amount of information available.

However, it’s crucial to recognize the need for balance. Algorithms are designed to maximize engagement, often by showing us more of what we already like. This can lead to a narrowing of interests and perspectives, which is not ideal for personal growth and exploration. The key is to use these tools mindfully, understanding their limitations and potential biases.

Embracing the Unfiltered Life

It’s okay to like a song that hardly has any streams, to fall in love with a product that hasn’t gone viral, or to embrace a hobby that isn’t trending. These genuine encounters are becoming rare gems in our algorithm-driven world, but they are where we find our true selves. They are moments when we connect with something on a deeply personal level, free from external validation or the influence of curated trends.

This isn’t to say that algorithms are inherently evil or that we should abandon our devices and move to a remote cabin (unless you’re into that kind of thing). Algorithms have their place and can enhance our lives in countless ways. However, it’s worth taking a step back and asking ourselves whether we’re making choices based on genuine interest or simply following the breadcrumbs left by a well-meaning algorithm.

To live a truly unfiltered life, we must consciously seek out new experiences, challenge our preferences, and question our assumptions. Visit a different section of the bookstore, listen to a genre of music you’ve never tried, or engage in conversations with people who hold different viewpoints. In doing so, we might discover new passions and perspectives that an algorithm could never predict.

After all, the beauty of life lies in its unpredictability. The more we embrace the unexpected, the more we reclaim our right to choose — truly choose — our interests, hobbies, and the essence of who we are. So, let’s take the reins back from the algorithms and write our own stories, unfiltered and authentically ours.