Page 2 of 2

Re: Rage against the Algorithm

Posted: Fri Jan 15, 2021 11:55 pm
by Robert Tulip
Interbane wrote:The beliefs themselves were dry and pedantic, but I held them strongly. The one I remember most clearly, and the one I didn’t release until after Madarchitect vanished, was that we could somehow “know” objective reality with certainty. Not all of it, but just a few epistemologically foundational locations.
As we have discussed before, I continue to hold this view, for example on our knowledge that night follows day, and similar objective facts of real astronomy.
Interbane wrote: I realized I was defending it emotionally because in the moment I considered that I could possible be wrong, I felt that deep cognitive regret that's often felt but hard to explain. The feeling is similar to when you bite your tongue and admit you're wrong. It's not exactly regret, not exactly discomfort, and not exactly embarrassment. It's some indefinable and lightweight combination of the three, mixed with a "grounding" effect, like a buzzkill. It's one of those emotions that I don't think you're supposed to be aware of. The emotions pulling the strings of thought are subtle, and such a familiar piece of the machinery of cognition that it's difficult to recognize it as a unique component.
Sounds like chagrin. And your discussion of it sounds like Proust, in search of lost time.

On the theme of the thread, ABC Australia had a great radio interview that you should be able to listen to in the US, https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/pr ... s/12216578
The prejudice of algorithms
Internet algorithms are dividing us, not bringing us together. The assumptions, predictions, and generalisations they make about us are not value neutral or apolitical. Robert Elliott Smith talks to Paul Barclay about the inherent prejudice of algorithms.
Publication: Rage Inside The Machine by Robert Elliott Smith

Re: Rage against the Algorithm

Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2021 10:20 am
by Interbane
RT wrote:Sounds like chagrin. And your discussion of it sounds like Proust, in search of lost time.
It is quite similar to chagrin, but is a transitional feeling. It isn't exactly regret. It's more similar to someone going on a diet, then later in the day craving a donut but instantly realizing they can't have it. A mild exertion of willpower, mixed with something like regret or perhaps disappointment.

What I'm trying to describe is something that I think everyone feels, but it's difficult to recognize. It's the feeling you get in that moment when you decide to inwardly challenge one of your long-held beliefs. It doesn't feel good, but a sense of mental discipline and adherence to cognitive integrity makes you grit your teeth and commit to analyzing it as objectively as you can.

Re: Rage against the Algorithm

Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2021 12:03 pm
by Interbane
An interesting article from WSJ just released today: https://www.wsj.com/articles/social-med ... 1610884800

Re: Rage against the Algorithm

Posted: Fri Jan 22, 2021 4:26 pm
by Interbane

Re: Rage against the Algorithm

Posted: Fri Jan 22, 2021 4:58 pm
by Harry Marks
Very interesting info, Interbane. I especially like the one about options, in the WSJ. I may switch to MeWe, even though I have lots of friends on FB and, for those further away, I value the connection. Maybe a gradual shift.