An algorithm is a tool. And if xour tool is a hammer and nlthing else, then yes, everyone will be one-track minded in an echochamber.
Bit the solution isn’t to go throw hands up in defeat and get rid of the hammer because it proved dangerous, but to make other tools:
Make the algorithm into a toolbox.
Because, from what I see just from browsing Lemmy, Lemmy has a few elementary sorts (Top, Active, Most Comments) and two filters: a hard Local/All toggle and the Top sort has filters for Day/Month/Year/All time. I know there’s a few I missed, but my point stands.
The algorithm should have toggles to shape how it works.
Instead of a Local/All toggle, add a map of connected communities and the ability to “jump” between their feeds - without needing to switch to an acvount on that instance.
Add a “randomize” option: not to the feed, but to the algorithm’s parameters. Don’t just shuffle the “selected” posts like a playlist. Fuzzy the criteria for selection themselves up to get a different batch altogether!
Learn from the “big” players: use their core tactics and ideas, but with one huge caveat: make the parameters transparent and accessible. Make “presets” (which we already have).
In essence, don’t make a recommendation algorithm, make recommendstion algorithms. Ones easily accessible to users and easy to understand.
Or, in other words, instead of a crutch, make a toolbox.
Actually, the algorithm is less a hammer than a crutch. It’s not something you use to build, it’s something you use to walk.
An algorithm is a tool. And if xour tool is a hammer and nlthing else, then yes, everyone will be one-track minded in an echochamber.
Bit the solution isn’t to go throw hands up in defeat and get rid of the hammer because it proved dangerous, but to make other tools:
Make the algorithm into a toolbox.
Because, from what I see just from browsing Lemmy, Lemmy has a few elementary sorts (Top, Active, Most Comments) and two filters: a hard Local/All toggle and the Top sort has filters for Day/Month/Year/All time. I know there’s a few I missed, but my point stands.
The algorithm should have toggles to shape how it works.
Instead of a Local/All toggle, add a map of connected communities and the ability to “jump” between their feeds - without needing to switch to an acvount on that instance.
Add a “randomize” option: not to the feed, but to the algorithm’s parameters. Don’t just shuffle the “selected” posts like a playlist. Fuzzy the criteria for selection themselves up to get a different batch altogether!
Learn from the “big” players: use their core tactics and ideas, but with one huge caveat: make the parameters transparent and accessible. Make “presets” (which we already have).
In essence, don’t make a recommendation algorithm, make recommendstion algorithms. Ones easily accessible to users and easy to understand.
Or, in other words, instead of a crutch, make a toolbox.
Actually, the algorithm is less a hammer than a crutch. It’s not something you use to build, it’s something you use to walk.