Splash No. 179 - Gaming the Algorithm
Gaming the Algorithm
Last week, a piece I wrote went out as a part of a newsletter I love called Dirt, which is run by Daisy Alioto and Kyle Chayka, two accomplished and widely read writers. Getting this piece published is a big deal for me — it's the first piece of writing I pitched and was paid for, a hint at the possibility that I could write for more than just my lovely newsletter audience.
In the piece, I dig into how I've started gaming the TikTok algorithm to serve me something more specific, essentially trying to find ways to get some autonomy back and let the algorithm just help me do what I want to do. In the last few years, I have found myself becoming lax with how I live my life, often letting algorithms and my external environment. But those are powerful things! It's not easy to simply work against my environment, but maybe it's possible to redirect their energies to work for me instead of against me. I'm still figuring out what that looks like, but for now, I'm starting with my TikTok feed. I hope you enjoy the piece, and stay tuned for more words from me next me.
PS I also snazzed up my Splash archive page, if you wanna check that out.
Drops of the Week
PLAYLIST - Beats of Tomorrow - an EDM playlist featuring CAZZETTE's remix of AIR APPARENT's "All By Yourself"
VIDEO - "Building a quality USB-C microphone" by DIY Perks - although it's unlikely that I would spend the time building my own microphone, it's fascinating to see how straightforward it is with the right set of tools and to learn how some of this stuff works!
POEM - "Living Instead" by William Bronk - "ours could be the real world"
With each day, we can move closer to a more equitable world. Reminders:
Donate to Help Afghan Refugees Settle in NorCal Mutual Aid Networks
Anti-racism resources
Thanks so much for reading! If you're not already subscribed, I'd love for you to subscribe here. You can also check out my older newsletters here.
Also, I'd love to hear your thoughts— you can reply to this email if you loved or hated the letter, or you want to tell me about how your day has been. I'm all ears.
Still,
Nikhil