9. Algorithms and the Loss of Curiosity

I deleted all social media off my phone for three months. It helped me remember how I wanted to spend my idle time, and I found that I was able to connect more deeply the things I care about. Obviously, this all sounds normal and is generally what we expect when unplugging. But since returning to social media I have become harrowingly aware of the way my curiosity dwindles during time spent online.

Drawing on some classic philosophy thought experiments, I set out to examine some of the things that we might not realise that we lose while plugged in.

• Normal on Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/normalpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/alekshammo⁠
• TikTok: ⁠tiktok.com/@alekshammo⁠
• Email: ⁠contact@aleks.co