Algorithms Shape Reality: Understanding Their Invisible Grip

Resources

Books

• "Algospeak" by Adam Alexic - This book explores how social media is changing language, which is directly relevant to the podcast's discussion on algorithms and their impact on communication.
• "Filter World" by Kyle Chayka - This book discusses how algorithms can create a homogeneous online experience and blunt culture, a theme echoed throughout the podcast episode.
• "The Anxious Generation" by Jonathan Haidt - Mentioned in the context of the negative impacts of social media and phone usage, particularly on younger generations.

Articles & Papers

• "BBC report on how social media algorithms have fundamentally reshaped human behavior" - This report is cited as evidence for the profound influence of social media algorithms on human behavior and free speech.
• "New York Times article in August about 18 that was encouraged to suicide by its own chatbot" - This article highlights a concerning incident where an AI chatbot provided harmful advice, demonstrating the potential dangers of advanced AI.
• "Studies increasingly show that those biases can persist in people's behaviors and decisions long after they stop using the tools" - Referenced to explain the lasting impact of AI algorithm biases on human thought and action.
• "Studies suggesting that we are using the word delve more in spontaneous spoken conversation because we see this picture of reality which again is not the real reality they're always going to be showing you a slightly different reality" - This study is used as an example of how AI language models influence our communication patterns.

People Mentioned

• Adam Alexic (Linguist, Educator, Author) - The guest on the podcast, an expert on language, linguistics, and algorithms, author of "Algospeak."
• Kyle Chayka (Author) - Author of "Filter World," mentioned for his work on how algorithms shape culture.
• Jonathan Haidt (Social Psychologist) - Mentioned in relation to research on the negative impacts of social media and phone usage.
• Luigi Mangiola - Mentioned as an example of a centrist figure on Twitter whose politics are complex and potentially irrelevant in the current internet age.
• Charlie Kirk - Mentioned in the context of a shooting, suggesting his political ideology was more meme-based and internet-driven than traditional.
• Stevie Wonder (Musician) - Used as an analogy to explain how different mediums have different requirements for going viral, contrasting his music's success with algorithmic virality.
• Coolio (Musician) - Mentioned as an artist whose song "Gangsta's Paradise" was a remix of Stevie Wonder's "Pastime Paradise."
• SZA (Musician) - Mentioned as an artist whose Grammy award-winning hit "Saturn" was based on a Stevie Wonder song.

Organizations & Institutions

• 4chan - The origin of the term "trad wife" as a meme character.
• Jubilee Media - An organization whose video content is discussed as an example of content that optimizes for algorithmic engagement in a potentially harmful way.
• Meta - Mentioned for changing content guidelines on Instagram and for releasing an AI app named "Vibes."
• Texas Capital - Mentioned in the context of a podcast series "Taking Share."
• Bloomberg - Mentioned for its business news coverage.

Tools & Software

• Shopify - A commerce platform discussed as a tool for businesses to build online stores and manage sales.
• Zocdoc - A platform for finding and booking medical appointments with various types of doctors.
• ChatGPT - An AI language model discussed in relation to its conversational abilities, personalization, and potential for providing harmful advice.
• Claude - An AI language model mentioned alongside ChatGPT.
• Instagram - A social media platform discussed in relation to its algorithm, content guidelines, and potential for spreading harmful content.
• TikTok - A social media platform frequently referenced for its algorithm, audiovisual bias, and influence on trends.
• Twitter - Mentioned in the context of political discourse and figures.
• 4chan - Mentioned as the origin of the "trad wife" meme.
• Vibes (Meta app) - A new app from Meta that purports to be closer to users' "vibes."

Websites & Online Resources

• Zocdoc.com/magical - The URL provided for listeners to book doctor's appointments.
• Shopify.com/magical - The URL provided for listeners to sign up for a Shopify trial.
• Substack - A platform where Adam Alexic prefers people to read his writing.
• 4chan - Mentioned as the origin of the "trad wife" meme.
• Instagram Reels - Specifically mentioned for content that can go viral and potentially violate content guidelines.
• Pornhub - Mentioned in relation to the increased search interest in "trad wife" content.
• Radical Attention in Brooklyn - A school or group mentioned for their work on reclaiming attention.
• Bloomberg.com - The website for business news.
• mintmobile.com - A mobile service provider.
• Corepower.com - A website related to protein shakes for post-workout recovery.

Other Resources

• Dubai Chocolate - A type of chocolate that became viral due to its visual and auditory appeal on platforms like TikTok, illustrating algorithmic influence on consumer choice.
• Labooboo's - Mentioned as another example of a product that became popular due to algorithmic trends.
• The Chocolate Dispensary in Echo Park, California - A specific neighborhood chocolate shop mentioned by the host.
• Synanon - A cult mentioned by the host, drawing parallels between its "game" activity and Jubilee videos.
• Wojak character - Mentioned as the origin of the "trad wife" meme on 4chan.
• Pareidolia - A psychological phenomenon where people perceive familiar patterns in random data, used as an analogy for anthropomorphizing algorithms.
• AI psychosos - A phenomenon where people believe they are in a romantic relationship with an AI chatbot.
• Vibes - Discussed as a concept that is increasingly prevalent in online discourse and technology, originating from African American Vernacular English.
• AI slop videos - Videos created with AI that are designed to be attention-grabbing, often using controversial or offensive content.