Browsing

I find now that when I open my browser, I get a message about the actions of algorithms. They are getting attention. People are noticing them. In the Discworld of the late Terry Pratchett, that would cause the algorithms to evolve into gods. It happened to a train engine.

I didn't read the warning. I have a vague sense of what algorithms do. I know they command large bodies of data, and I think they may be self-correcting in some ways. If they have more influence on my life than picking ads on websites, I am not aware of it. I suppose choosing what I see on the Internet and other places does mean they have some power over my life, but I still read printed books, mostly, and I do very little shopping of any kind. I buy wine and vodka, along with some snacks and items for my personal hygiene, at least usually, but beyond that, I just don't. My wife buys my clothes; my mother-in-law buys our food and many household items. I do watch shows on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon, and I base my selections on what I see offered, but when there is a show I think I'd like to see, I search those sites to see where my choice might be available.

I'm just not afraid of the algorithms.

Maybe I'm naive. Maybe I'm foolhardy. Or maybe the algorithms are puny little bits of mediocre software.

I will keep watching for signs that the algorithms are getting stronger. Someday, they may start choosing ads I'll notice. Someday, they may start telling us limited organic, and mortal, beings what to do. And someday, I may start to exercise and eat a healthy diet. I can't wait.