Less Algorithm More Humanity

Reflections on craving more human connection over algorithmic echo chambers.

A couple months ago I read Filterworld: How Algorithms Flattened Culture by Kyle Chayka. I was drawn to the title right away because it spoke to something I had been feeling but hadn’t been able to articulate: this idea that Instagram and other algorithmically driven platforms were limiting people’s perception of real life and influencing the real life spaces we inhabit on a daily basis.

Algorithms aren’t necessarily evil… they just offer less nutritional value

I don’t think all algorithmically driven finds are inherently bad or devoid of artistic or human value. I’ve found plenty of worthwhile art, concepts, and inspiring humans through an algorithm! I’m not advocating for consuming zero algorithmically driven content. That would be like saying never you should never eat candy again! I’m going to eat candy, and I’m going to mindlessly flip through YouTube suggestions when my brain is fried at the end of the night. What I’m advocating for is looking at the nutrition facts. Knowing what you are consuming empowers the consumer.

Here is one of my favorite quotes from the book:

“We turn to art to seek connection, yet algorithmic feeds give us pure consumption. Truly connecting requires slowing down too much, to the point of falling out of the feed’s grip.” - Kyle Chayka

When interacting with any media platform — social media, television, streaming services, etc. — it’s important to remember it’s constantly evolving to maximize profits not improve lives.

Passive consumption vs. proactive curiosity

In the role of consumers, our time and attention are the currency. Algorithms are designed to hold attention as long as possible, often by tapping into the most incendiary human emotions—fear, anger, surprise, humor (on a good day!), etc. So, if you find something that interests you in a feed, I’d encourage you to slow down and dig in deeper elsewhere. Ask your own questions about the things that excite or infuriate you! Return to the search bar and seek out conversations offline.

Do I recommend Filterworld?

It depends. If this is a topic that really interests you and you want to dive into some nitty gritty tech history, then, yes. But honestly, I don’t think I would have managed to finish it without my February reading experiment (I’d set a timer for 15 minutes and read more if I had time or was really into it!). The beginning was a bit history intensive for me, but past the half-way mark I was invested in the author’s perspective. Overall, I’m glad I finished it. The book gave a lot to think about and inspired a new illustration!

I offer you Less Algorithm More Humanity.

It took a lot of trial and error to dial in the colors on this one, but in the end, I’m excited about how it turned out! Paid subscribers, keep scrolling to snag this art print download at the end of the post!

I recognize the irony in offering merchandise around the idea of consuming less and connecting more, but alas, life is full of contradictions! It’s also worth noting that you are actively bucking the algorithm by allowing me into your inbox each week instead of stumbling across my work on social media feeds. For that, I am incredibly grateful!

Cotton Bureau featured my design in their T-shirt Tuesday email, which brought me a lot of joy!

Cotton Bureau is offering drinkware now! Pretty rad!

Thanks for reading!

Thanks for being here! It truly means the world to me to connect with you every week. In case you missed it, last week I shared the process behind a new art print and thoughts about how Art is Noticing.

Paid subscribers, please keep scrolling to snag this week’s art print downloads! I’m sharing Less Algorithm More Humanity in two sizes!