Filterworld x Kyle Chayka
We are all Digital Flat Stanley.
![Filterworld: How Algorithms Flattened Culture [Book]](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!xD-k!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1cfd4b60-ea31-4755-a21a-90a7f538cf53_1718x2560.jpeg "Filterworld: How Algorithms Flattened Culture [Book]")
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Technology/Non-Fiction, 2024
🎧 12 Hours/📖 290 Pages
Filterworld is an in-depth, often grim, look at the impact algorithms have on our experiences around culture, relationships, and our environments. At it’s heart it explores the Marvelification-Sans Serif Epidemic-New Yorker Tote Bag-Millenial Grey world we have come to live in. In many ways, it reads like a case study of the homogeneous and flattened culture we increasingly experience.
“You are unique, just like everybody else.” - Kyle Chayka
Chayka reveals how who/what defines good or bad taste is changing, foregoing the naturally occurring algorithm of personal interest. Gone are the tactile days of highbrow individuals carefully dictating what is “in” à la The Devil Wears Prada “Cerulean” monologue. Gone are the days of flipping through channels to find something good to listen to or watch, discerning for yourself what “good” meant. Gone are the days of flipping through magazines or wandering a local library.
There are of course deeper implications of algorithms than taste, costing us with their ability to manipulate the price of goods and services in real time. Algorithms have paved way for The Attention Economy and with it, a new dynamic pricing model dependent on the ability to keep users online, scrolling, and engaged. Abundanant advertisements and user data allow the Broligarchy to build wealth on the backs of user’s attention spans, relationships, politics, and enjoyment of life. In most cases, algorithms are intelligently designed and implemented parasitically, satiating our primal dopamine cravings while offering little to no nutritional value in return.
Filterworld offers a solid introduction and overview into understanding just how pervasive and effective algorithms are at taking our attention, money, and cultural individualities. I didn’t necessarily learn anything new, but I did leave feeling more affirmed in the actions I take to reduce interactions with algorithms and with a longing for the days of discovery through breadcrumb trails.