In Love with an Algorithm

·28 min·2 clips

Neal Bailey Harper explores why being in love with an algorithm feels more uncomfortable than learning itself.

The episode begins with Neal Bailey Harper introducing the theme of being in love with an algorithm, contrasting it with the discomfort of learning. He shares personal anecdotes, including his birthday and becoming a parent, to frame the discussion. Harper, in his 60s, reflects on living through significant technological changes, noting that his generation experienced half their life without social media. He expresses nostalgia for tangible items like records and newspapers while acknowledging technological advances. The host critiques texting for lacking emotional inflection, arguing it leads people to impose their own algorithms on communication. He defines social media algorithms as automated systems that rank content to maximize user engagement by personalizing feeds based on behavior. Harper emphasizes that algorithms feed on user information, often collected without reading fine print. He shares a personal story about changing his algorithm after becoming obsessed with true-crime shows like City Confidential, realizing he needed to compartmentalize his interests. The host advocates for using computers as tools while exercising the human brain through activities like writing letters and memorizing phone numbers. He discusses adapting communication with his sons by learning about firearms to maintain connection across generations. Harper concludes that being in love with an algorithm is a one-sided relationship if we stop thinking for ourselves, urging listeners to engage with the real world and diverse perspectives.

As heard by us

A reflective look at algorithms, detective shows, true crime, and the habits that shape attention.

Neal Bailey Harper frames algorithms as a matter of attention, beginning with personalized feeds and the information people give away without lingering over the fine print.

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Why you'd press play

Press play when a personalized feed starts feeling like a portrait of your own attention.

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