We live in a world in which algorithmic technologies are dramatically shaping self-understandings and understandings of the world. This project helps us to make visible these realities and to think about ways we can challenge their effects, both individually in our everyday algorithmic practice, and collectively as groups of engaged algorithmic users.
My Algorithm and Me is a collaborative project created by an artist, an academic, and a journalist. Employing a range of critical/creative methodologies, and through a series of in-person workshops, a video essay/documentary (FRENEMY), and a digital crowdsourced database, we chronicle users’ algorithmic experiences. Our aim is to explore the experiences of young adults (aged 18-30) who engage with social media content algorithms in their everyday lives.
This project highlights algorithmic biases that perpetuate societal inequalities and influence individual self-perceptions. Yet we also create space for participants to exercise individual and collective agency and to enjoy exploring the impact of social media algorithms on their lives. These techniques for positive change include collective screenshotting and algorithmic role-playing.
We welcome collaboration of all types.