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I’m Building an Algorithm That Doesn’t Rot Your Brain
New York Times Opinion
We must redesign algorithms to prioritize human connection and creativity over ad revenue to improve our online experience.
Executive Summary
In the video "I’m Building an Algorithm That Doesn’t Rot Your Brain," the speaker, a tech CEO, critiques current attention-driven algorithms that prioritize short-term engagement over meaningful human connections. He advocates for a new algorithmic approach that emphasizes long-term relationships, supports creators financially, and involves human curation to enhance the online experience. By shifting the focus from ad revenue to fostering creativity and community, the speaker envisions a healthier internet that enriches both creators and users.
Key Takeaways
- Limit your social media usage to prioritize meaningful interactions over mindless scrolling.
- Seek out and support creators directly through platforms like Patreon to foster a healthier creative ecosystem.
- Engage with content that resonates with you long-term, rather than trending topics that fade quickly.
- Curate your feed by following creators who inspire you and align with your values, avoiding algorithm-driven suggestions.
- Advocate for platforms to implement features that prioritize human connection and creativity over ad revenue.
Key Insights
- The current algorithmic landscape prioritizes short-term attention over meaningful connections, leading to a disconnection between creators and their audiences, which undermines the essence of community building.
- Rethinking algorithms to prioritize long-term relationships can transform social media into a platform that fosters deeper understanding and appreciation of creators, rather than merely serving advertisers' interests.
- By funding art instead of ads, we can create a sustainable ecosystem that empowers creators, leading to a richer diversity of content and a more vibrant cultural landscape.
- Incorporating human curation alongside algorithms can enhance content discovery, ensuring that the algorithm reflects genuine human tastes and preferences, rather than solely optimizing for engagement metrics.
- The video advocates for a paradigm shift where algorithms serve humanity, emphasizing that a more humane internet is achievable by aligning technological priorities with the values of creativity and community.
Summary Points
- Current algorithms prioritize attention and ad revenue, negatively impacting mental health and community building.
- A better algorithm should focus on fostering long-term relationships and meaningful connections among users.
- Funding should prioritize creators over advertisers to promote genuine artistic expression and creativity.
- Humans should have control over algorithms, allowing for curated recommendations and community engagement.
- The internet can be a space for creativity and connection, serving people rather than exploiting their attention.
Detailed Summary
- The video discusses the detrimental effects of current algorithms on mental health, highlighting issues like loneliness and polarization caused by attention-driven content on social media platforms.
- The speaker, a CEO of Patreon, expresses frustration with how social media has evolved, emphasizing the loss of genuine community connections that were once fostered by following creators directly.
- Algorithms, defined as formulas determining content visibility, reflect a company's priorities, often prioritizing ad revenue over user well-being, leading to a negative online experience.
- The speaker proposes a new approach to algorithms that prioritizes long-term relationships, suggesting that users should see a creator's entire body of work rather than just trending content.
- A call to action is made to fund creators instead of advertisers, arguing that a shift in focus could lead to a flourishing of diverse artistic expressions and content creation.
- The video advocates for human involvement in algorithmic processes, suggesting that creators and super fans should curate content to enhance discovery and connection.
- The speaker emphasizes the cultural importance of artists, asserting that they play a vital role in society by challenging norms, inspiring creativity, and fostering community.
- Ultimately, the video envisions a reformed internet where algorithms serve the interests of users and creators, promoting a healthier online environment.
What is the main concern expressed in the video regarding current algorithms?
What does the speaker suggest should be the focus of algorithms instead of ad revenue?
According to the video, what is one of the three principles for a better algorithm?
What does the speaker mean by 'attention is infrastructure'?
How does the speaker propose to improve user experience on social media platforms?
What is the speaker's stance on the role of machines in controlling algorithms?
What does the speaker imply about the relationship between tech companies and user well-being?
What does the speaker believe would happen if the internet compensated creative people for their work?
What is the speaker's view on the current state of social media feeds?
What does the speaker mean by 'a more human algorithm'?
What is the main issue with current internet algorithms?
Current internet algorithms prioritize short-term attention and ad revenue over long-term human connection, leading to negative impacts on mental health and community building.
How do algorithms reflect a tech company's values?
Algorithms are a manifestation of a company's priorities, showing what they optimize for, such as attention and ad revenue, rather than user well-being.
What is the proposed first principle for a better algorithm?
The first principle is to prioritize long-term relationships by adjusting algorithms to promote meaningful connections over immediate attention-grabbing content.
What does 'fund art, not ads' mean in the context of algorithms?
This principle suggests that algorithms should focus on generating revenue for creators rather than advertisers, fostering a richer creative environment.
Why should humans have control over algorithms?
Humans should guide algorithms to ensure better taste and relevance, allowing creators to recommend others and curating content effectively.
What is the impact of doom scrolling on users?
Doom scrolling leads to feelings of loneliness and depression, as users are bombarded with negative content that prioritizes engagement over well-being.
How has the experience of following creators changed over time?
Previously, following a creator meant seeing their posts and building a relationship, but now users often see content that maximizes screen time instead.
What role do artists play in society according to the video?
Artists challenge norms, express collective thoughts, and foster community, making societies that value them more vibrant and connected.
What is the significance of a 'human algorithm'?
A 'human algorithm' focuses on creativity and connection, aiming to enhance user experience by highlighting meaningful content rather than just maximizing attention.
What does the speaker suggest about the future of algorithms?
The speaker believes that algorithms can be restructured to serve people better, emphasizing creativity and community over mere profit from attention.
What are the consequences of algorithms optimizing for attention?
When algorithms optimize for attention, they can lead to negative mental health outcomes, such as increased polarization and a lack of genuine community.
What does the speaker mean by 'attention is infrastructure'?
This phrase suggests that attention is a foundational element of how online experiences are structured, influencing what content is prioritized.
How can algorithms support creators according to the speaker?
Algorithms can support creators by surfacing their entire body of work, allowing users to engage with their content over time and fostering deeper connections.
What is the relationship between tech companies and user well-being?
Tech companies often prioritize profit over user well-being, leading to algorithms that exploit human attention rather than support healthy online interactions.
What changes does the speaker advocate for in tech companies?
The speaker advocates for tech companies to rethink their algorithms to prioritize human connection, support creators financially, and involve users in content curation.
Study Notes
The video opens with a strong statement about how algorithms are negatively affecting our mental health, leading to feelings of loneliness, depression, and polarization. The speaker emphasizes that the current state of social media is driven by attention-based algorithms that prioritize engagement over user well-being. This sets the tone for the discussion on the need for a more humane approach to technology that fosters creativity and connection rather than conflict and doom scrolling.
Attention is described as the infrastructure of the internet, with algorithms designed to capture and maintain user attention. The speaker critiques how tech companies prioritize short-term engagement metrics over meaningful connections. This leads to a discussion about the detrimental effects of 'rage bait' and how the current algorithms are not aligned with the best interests of users, but rather with maximizing ad revenue.
The speaker shares his personal journey as a CEO of Patreon, a platform aimed at connecting creators with their audiences. He reflects on the early days of the internet, where following someone meant building a genuine relationship with them. This nostalgia highlights the contrast between past and present social media experiences, emphasizing the loss of community and meaningful interactions due to algorithmic changes.
An algorithm is defined as a formula that determines what content users see on the internet. The speaker argues that an algorithm reflects a company's values and priorities, particularly in how it optimizes for attention. This section stresses the importance of recognizing what drives these algorithms and how they can be restructured to better serve users rather than advertisers.
The speaker outlines three key principles for creating a more humane algorithm: prioritizing long-term relationships, funding art instead of ads, and putting humans in control. Each principle is explained in detail, emphasizing the need for algorithms to foster genuine connections and support creators financially rather than focusing solely on ad revenue. This section serves as a blueprint for rethinking how algorithms can operate.
The first principle discussed is the importance of prioritizing long-term relationships over short-term attention. The speaker suggests that algorithms should showcase a creator's entire body of work rather than just trending content. This approach would allow users to develop a deeper understanding of creators and their journeys, fostering a more meaningful connection over time, which contrasts sharply with the current model of constant distraction.
The second principle emphasizes the need for algorithms to support creators financially rather than prioritizing advertisers. The speaker argues that if the internet compensated creative individuals for their work, it would lead to a flourishing of diverse artistic content. This shift in focus from ad revenue to creator support is presented as essential for nurturing a vibrant creative community online.
The final principle advocates for human involvement in algorithmic decision-making. The speaker proposes that allowing creators to recommend others and hiring super fans to curate content can enhance the quality of recommendations. This approach aims to combine the efficiency of algorithms with the nuanced understanding of human taste, which has been overlooked in current practices.
The speaker concludes by highlighting the vital role artists play in society. They challenge the notion that algorithms should solely serve business interests, arguing instead that a society that values creativity and artistic expression is healthier and more vibrant. This reinforces the idea that the internet can be a platform for connection and inspiration, rather than just a tool for profit.
Key Terms & Definitions
Transcript
Our brains are being melted by the algorithm. [Music] Attention is infrastructure. Those algorithms are the algorithms. Part of attention is sometimes conflict, provocation. We're lonely and depressed, getting more polarized every day. We're endlessly doom scrolling, bombarded by rage bait. And it's because our experience on the internet is being overrun by these attention-based algorithms controlled by tech companies that don't have our best interests at heart. I'm tired of what social media is doing to our brains. It has to be possible to have a better experience on the internet grounded in creativity and human connection. A more human algorithm. Here's the kicker. I'm a CEO of one of these freaking tech companies, but I'm determined to not be part of the problem. Let me explain. I co-founded a company called Patreon, a platform where creators can share their work, connect with their fans, and build their businesses. And on top of being a CEO, I've been making music on the internet for 17 years now. Johnny, don't leave me. My band is called Pompous. And back when we first started putting out our music online, when you followed someone, you would see their posts and build a meaningful connection with them over time. In that era of the internet, we were building real community. [Music] But that's all been replaced. Now, when you open these apps, you don't see posts from people you follow. You just see whatever will keep your eyes glued to the screen. And it's become harder and harder for creative people like me to build a community around our work. [Music] So, it's not just the people doing the scrolling who feel like crap. The people making the work also don't like how the internet is going right now. And all that change is being fueled by the algorithm. An algorithm is essentially a formula that looks through all the media that's being made on the internet every day and decides what you see and what you don't. An algorithm is the most profound manifestation of a company's priorities and values and business incentives. In fact, if you want to know what a tech company's priorities are, if you want to see into its soul, look at what its algorithm is optimizing for. Because right now, platforms like Tik Tok and Instagram and Facebook are very clear about what matters to them. Their algorithms are optimizing for attention. They're prioritizing short-term fixation over long-term connection because they value ad revenue over our humanity. [Music] The business model of these companies is to extract human attention from our brains like gold from a mine and to convert it into ad revenue. They call these feeds for you, but it's not for you. It's for them. So, am I saying we should just destroy all algorithms? No, of course not. There's just too much stuff on the internet. We need some kind of machine to help us sort through it all. But it should show you the best of human creativity, not rot your brain. [Music] And this isn't an impossible problem. We just need to rethink how creativity and community exists on the internet with creators and their fans at the center, not advertisers. But this can't be lip service marketing. The actual gears and guts of the machine need to change for this to work. The way I see it, a better algorithm, a better internet comes down to three principles. First, prioritize long-term relationships. Algorithms should have the keep your attention dial turned down and the long-term human connection dial turned up. For example, the way we're thinking about this, rather than just flashing the newest, shiniest thing, our algorithm is going to surface the full catalog of work from the creators you follow. And that way, you get to see the whole arc of a person's career when you follow them. The internet should help you get to know a person better over time, rather than being bombarded and distracted by a never-ending parade of rage bait and trendjacking and dunks. Second, fund art, not ads. Rather than focus on making money for advertisers, algorithms should focus on making money for creators. Social media companies will say that that obviously wouldn't work for them. And I understand that. That's a hard change for them. But they should change to be better for humans rather than humans compromising our well-being to be better for them. Because now we know what happens when attention is the goal. If the internet were instead set up to compensate creative people for their work, there would be an explosion of art and podcasts and videos and books that never would have existed. That is what algorithms should be tuned for and it's what ours are tuned for, not ad revenue. [Applause] Third, put humans in control. I don't think machines should have total control. Algorithms would be better and have better taste if they were coupled with humans. For example, we're allowing creators to recommend other creators they love. And we're hiring super fans to curate the best work from creators they love. And that's not even new. Other companies have been making great curated discovery lists for years. Twitter and Facebook used to pay curators, too, but they gave that up. We need to bring that back. Societies that value artists are better for it. Artists take risks. They say what we're all thinking, but are too afraid to speak out loud. They bring us together and remind us why it's good to be alive. They blow our minds with new ideas and get us to shake our asses on the dance floor. They make us nostalgic and rethink our perspectives and are unapologetic about believing in ideals. It is possible for the internet to be a place for that and it is possible for algorithms to serve people instead of people serving algorithms. [Music]
Title Analysis
The title uses a conversational tone and presents a provocative idea, but it lacks sensational language or exaggeration. There are no ALL CAPS or excessive punctuation, making it straightforward. The phrase 'Doesn't Rot Your Brain' creates a curiosity gap, suggesting a contrast to typical algorithms, but it does not employ extreme clickbait tactics.
The title accurately reflects the video's content, which discusses the negative impact of current algorithms on mental health and proposes a more humane alternative. While it captures the essence of the speaker's intent, it could slightly mislead viewers into thinking the video is solely about building an algorithm, rather than a broader critique of existing systems.
Content Efficiency
The video presents a high level of unique and valuable information, particularly regarding the impact of algorithms on human attention and creativity. While there are some repetitive phrases, especially around the negative effects of current algorithms, the core messages about prioritizing long-term relationships, funding art, and human control are articulated clearly. The speaker effectively conveys the urgency of the issue without excessive filler, resulting in a solid information density.
The pacing of the video is generally good, with a clear flow of ideas. However, some sections could be more concise, particularly where the speaker reiterates points about the negative aspects of algorithms. While the content is engaging, a few tangents could be trimmed to enhance overall time efficiency. The speaker maintains audience interest, but tightening some arguments could elevate the score.
Improvement Suggestions
To improve information density, the speaker could reduce redundancy by consolidating similar points about the negative impacts of algorithms. Additionally, eliminating some tangential anecdotes or examples could enhance time efficiency. Focusing on delivering core messages more succinctly while maintaining engagement would result in a more impactful presentation. Streamlining the introduction and conclusion could also help in achieving a tighter narrative.
Content Level & Clarity
The content is rated at a 5 because it assumes a foundational understanding of algorithms, social media dynamics, and the impact of technology on human behavior. While it is accessible to a general audience, some familiarity with these concepts enhances comprehension.
The teaching clarity score is an 8 due to the logical flow and coherent structure of the argument presented. The speaker effectively outlines the issues with current algorithms and proposes clear solutions, making the content engaging and relatively easy to follow. However, some technical jargon could be simplified for broader understanding.
Prerequisites
A basic understanding of social media platforms, algorithms, and their impact on user behavior would be beneficial for fully grasping the content.
Suggestions to Improve Clarity
To enhance clarity, the speaker could define key terms such as 'algorithm' and 'rage bait' more explicitly. Additionally, using visual aids or examples to illustrate the proposed changes to algorithms could help reinforce understanding. A summary of key points at the end would also aid retention.
Educational Value
The content provides a strong educational foundation by critically analyzing the impact of algorithms on human behavior and creativity. It discusses the negative consequences of current attention-driven algorithms while proposing a thoughtful alternative that prioritizes long-term relationships, funds creators, and involves human curation. The speaker effectively uses personal experiences and examples from their work at Patreon to illustrate these points, enhancing relatability and knowledge retention. The depth of content encourages viewers to reflect on their own internet usage and the broader implications of technology on society. This video fosters critical thinking about the role of technology in our lives and encourages practical application by suggesting actionable changes to algorithm design.
Target Audience
Content Type Analysis
Content Type
Format Improvement Suggestions
- Incorporate visual aids to illustrate key points
- Add on-screen text highlights for important concepts
- Include interviews with other creators for diverse perspectives
- Use animations to explain complex ideas about algorithms
- Provide a summary or key takeaways at the end of the video
Language & Readability
Original Language
EnglishModerate readability. May contain some technical terms or complex sentences.
Content Longevity
Timeless Factors
- Universal themes of mental health and well-being
- Critique of technology and its impact on society
- Advocacy for human connection and creativity
- Discussion of the role of algorithms in shaping experiences
- Call for a shift in priorities from profit to community
Occasional updates recommended to maintain relevance.
Update Suggestions
- Add context about current developments in social media algorithms
- Update statistics regarding mental health trends related to social media usage
- Reference new platforms or technologies that have emerged since the video was made
- Incorporate recent case studies of successful creator-led platforms
- Discuss evolving public sentiment towards tech companies and their algorithms