Hey, it’s been a while since the last post…
Interesting short read on The Conversation by Joanna Gibson, about how algorithmic culture is pushing genericness in urban design and culture. I’m thinking about the connection of these kind of observations – this is by no means the first article to observe this development – to my latest joint research project on urban resilience. Resilience in urban settings, we note, is in part resulting from variation and differentiation. Like in evolution theory, heterogeneity on a larger scale is a factor is long-term survival and success. Hence, I believe this genericness mat actually make cities less resilient.
Algorithms make predictions based upon our choices, from music to home furnishings. The algorithm takes that choice and suggests similar products based upon it, ultimately reinforcing and producing a monotonous and generic aesthetic taste. […]
These sorts of algorithms in turn reinforce the production of products to meet those generic tastes, ultimately flattening the diversity of creative work, in everything from the songs we listen to to the urban surroundings in which we live.
Link to original article >>