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I think we're beginning to understand that algorithms suck at making the kinds of judgements that make human interactions interesting and worthwhile. More of e
by TheOtherHobbes 5y ago
I think we're beginning to understand that algorithms suck at making the kinds of judgements that make human interactions interesting and worthwhile.
More of everything is not necessarily better. More of everything filtered algorithmically can be actively worse - not just because of poor modelling and information loss, but because the goals of the algorithm (typically related to some combination of hard sell and addiction) are diametrically opposed to a good human experience.
There is such a thing as culture, and algos are incredibly toxic to it.
Incidentally your semi-social idea is exactly what "clubs" provide in the UK.
Not many people know about clubs, which is strange, because they're incredibly influential on politics and culture.
They're subscription-only spaces for mostly upper middle class people in an expensive building - most in central London, a few scattered around other big cities - that offer food, social contact, and networking opportunities.
Most have curated selective membership. You have to be invited and approved before you can join.
They're also split by profession - politicians, lawyers, media personalities, musicians, journalists, creatives, and so on.
There used to be one for London startups. (Possibly still is - I haven't checked recently.)
- asimpletune 5y agoYeah I hear/feel you on basically everything you said. Still, I just want a nice, comfortable place that I can go hang out for long parts of that day. I don’t care about it being exclusive and I would prefer it not to be. When I was growing up book stores were kind of that place, but most of that has gone away.