We may not yet understand the intricacies of the human brain, but social media algorithms...
We may not yet understand the intricacies of the human brain, but social media algorithms certainly do!
We may not yet understand the intricacies of the human brain, but social media algorithms certainly do!
The original post appeared on LinkedIn. You can view it below on Linkedin or scroll below for the web version.
We may not yet understand the intricacies of the human brain, but social media algorithms certainly do!
We, the users, are just raw material for Social Media Cos (SMC). Social media platforms survivability is determined by "engagements" of users. The more SMCs can engage users, the more value they can churn out of their raw material, i.e., users, through selling ads, which is still the primary source of revenue for these Cos
The engagements are primarily accentuated through machine learning algorithms. These ML algos are often powered by neural networks or deep learning models which function as black-boxs i.e. they are not meant to have human-interpretable explanation. We don’t and we can’t know how algos work, but they definitely do. The exponential increase in engagement metrics is evidence enough.
With increasing computational power, algos have learnt to exploit the inherent genetic biases of humans - envy, greed, fear, social validation, loss aversion, - tapping into primal emotions rooted in millions of years of evolution. Social media software has won over Human brains faulty and outdated hardware, which evolution designed for a far different world than the one we are in today.
As the saying goes, “If you’re not paying for the product, you are the product.” However, it’s not just you; it’s the engaged you that becomes a marketable asset.
Here are a few strategies that might work
[1] Don’t let metrics control you. Creative pursuits, like writing, are inherently enjoyable. Focusing too much on outcomes can drain the joy.
[2] Design flexibility into your process. Avoid rigid schedules or strict content calendars. Don’t let algorithms turn you into a content machine. Bonus: spontaneity keeps your creativity alive.
[3] Schedule posts for your busiest times so you’re less inclined to check their “engagements.”
[4] Write on niche topics. Lower engagement helps foster a genuine love for the craft, rather than chasing likes.
We live in the age of social media, and it’s essential to leverage it—just make sure social media works for you, not the other way around.
And yes, there’s some irony in using social media to critique social media!