I don’t think sorting is the same as an algorithm. Hot/Top/Controversial/New/Old are specific ways of sorting things. By Algorithmic I meant where they track every click, movement, and pause to decide what to show you next.
Sorting the feed is literally what any algorithm is, choosing what content to show when. I think what you’re against is personalised algorithms, but even for algorithms that just prioritise engagement or retention, it could be argued that hexbear’s algorithm does exactly that too. Albeit, not in as sophisticated a manner as say instagrams.
I am fine with being able to click a button and say “Show me the stuff with the most engagement on the entire site in the last 24 hours” or something like that. Because that is the same for everyone and is just a way to find active discussions. What I am not fine with is where everyones feed is different and determined by specific things being tracked about them. I see it as unhealthy and addictive to the users and as promoting reactionary behavior in society at large.
I don’t think sorting is the same as an algorithm. Hot/Top/Controversial/New/Old are specific ways of sorting things. By Algorithmic I meant where they track every click, movement, and pause to decide what to show you next.
Sorting the feed is literally what any algorithm is, choosing what content to show when. I think what you’re against is personalised algorithms, but even for algorithms that just prioritise engagement or retention, it could be argued that hexbear’s algorithm does exactly that too. Albeit, not in as sophisticated a manner as say instagrams.
OK so let me be more clear:
I am fine with being able to click a button and say “Show me the stuff with the most engagement on the entire site in the last 24 hours” or something like that. Because that is the same for everyone and is just a way to find active discussions. What I am not fine with is where everyones feed is different and determined by specific things being tracked about them. I see it as unhealthy and addictive to the users and as promoting reactionary behavior in society at large.