Well I mean obviously I’m not against algorithms in general. They’re just mathematical functions to achieve a goal. Each HTTP request generally uses both encryption and compression algorithms and that’s highly useful.
I’m questioning the usefulness of profiling and targeting users with specific content. The Lemmy algorithm isn’t that complex, it doesn’t build a user profile on you, it just goes by general user engagement. That’s fine. Further by virtue of it being open source, Lemmy wouldn’t have a “black box”, it’d be open for anyone to view and analyse.
Comparing Lemmy to YouTube/Instagram/Facebook/Twitter and the like makes for a rather poor comparison.
Lemmy’s simpler algorithm still has the same the problem though. That’s been seen time and time again on Reddit. Humans will actively curate a feed of content they find engaging and avoid content they disagree with. This leads down exactly the same rabbit holes as if you let an algorithm curate a personalised feed for that user.
Well I mean obviously I’m not against algorithms in general. They’re just mathematical functions to achieve a goal. Each HTTP request generally uses both encryption and compression algorithms and that’s highly useful.
I’m questioning the usefulness of profiling and targeting users with specific content. The Lemmy algorithm isn’t that complex, it doesn’t build a user profile on you, it just goes by general user engagement. That’s fine. Further by virtue of it being open source, Lemmy wouldn’t have a “black box”, it’d be open for anyone to view and analyse.
Comparing Lemmy to YouTube/Instagram/Facebook/Twitter and the like makes for a rather poor comparison.
Lemmy’s simpler algorithm still has the same the problem though. That’s been seen time and time again on Reddit. Humans will actively curate a feed of content they find engaging and avoid content they disagree with. This leads down exactly the same rabbit holes as if you let an algorithm curate a personalised feed for that user.