A lot of people make up all kinds of wild assumptions Mastodon, how it works, and what it is. We're here to help clear up some of the biggest ones.

Hey there! Figured I’d share here since my main instance, Lemmy.ml, seems to be really broken right now. I published an article today focusing on some of the myths and misconceptions Mastodon users have spread over the last few years, with some critical analysis and debunking.

Let me know if you like it!

  • sj_zero@lotide.fbxl.net
    122·
    11 months ago

    I think for most people talking about algorithms, the problem isn’t an algorithm, it’s “The Algorithm”.

    The distinction is that everything on a computer screen is displayed using an algorithm, but The Algorithm is instead this sinister thing that arbitrarily displays things for the benefit of the company rather than the benefit of the user.

    An Algorithm might show posts by upvotes or by comments or by some combination of the two, or by time, or by some combination of the three. The Algorithm will show stormfront posts to black people because it drives engagement. On Youtube for example, a thumbs down is just as acceptable for the purposes of The Algorithm as a thumbs up.

    • Carighan Maconar@lemmy.worldEnglish
      5·
      11 months ago

      The distinction is that everything on a computer screen is displayed using an algorithm, but The Algorithm is instead this sinister thing that arbitrarily displays things for the benefit of the company rather than the benefit of the user.

      Somewhat relevant kurzgesagt video. The thing would be that as they say there, the most effective algorithm would feed you rage bait. Stuff that it thinks upsets you. The most effective emotion to exploit. Keeps you glued as you get more and more upset with each swipe, being able to show you more and more ads as you do.