DiscoverThe Create UnknownAre Algorithms Controlling Us?
Are Algorithms Controlling Us?

Are Algorithms Controlling Us?

Update: 2025-03-07
Share

Description

Thanks to MAINGEAR for speeding up everything for us. Check out the VYBE line that’s making up the core of Matt’s new studio -- and use code CREATE for a free additional year of warranty on desktops: https://maingear.com/ref/656/


Join Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thecreateunknown


This week we dive into Technology Connections’ latest video, “Algorithms Are Breaking How We Think.” Kevin breaks down the concept of algorithmic complacency—a term Alec (aka Technology Connections) coined to describe how our internet habits have drastically changed.


We explore how times have changed from the active searches of days gone by to the passive algorithmic consumption of today. Kevin unpacks how platforms like YouTube have evolved, with users increasingly relying on recommendations instead of subscriptions, and what that means for content discovery.


Then, we get into the bigger picture, how does this shift impact things like attention span, learning behaviors, and cognitive processing? Kevin dives into the psychology of decision-making and probability, drawing upon knowledge from an old Vsauce2 video on the Monty Hall problem as a prime example.


Finally, we look ahead to the future of AI and its growing influence on human thought. Will algorithmic complacency make us less capable of independent decision-making? What happens when AI dictates not just what we watch, but how we think? How can we stay curious and engaged in an era of algorithm-driven content, and how are kids even supposed to focus anymore?


Thanks for tuning in, we’ll be back next week!


You love anime. You love tea. Get 10% off your order with code CREATE at The Dragon's Treasure: https://www.thedragonstreasure.com/


Buy our T-shirts: https://www.thecreateunknown.com/store/


Join our Discord to talk with artists, creators, and fans of the finer things in online life: http://discord.gg/tcu


Apple: http://bit.ly/TheCreateUnknownApple

Spotify: http://bit.ly/TheCreateUnknownSpotify

Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/TheCreateUnknownGooglePodcasts


CREDITS:


Hosts: Kevin Lieber and Matt Tabor

Executive Producer: Ben Webster

Editor: Spencer Vann

"Created in the Unknown" theme by Basswaite: https://linktr.ee/Basswaite

Theme by Mega Drive → http://megadrivemusic.com

Opening Animation: Kidmograph

City Animation: Eric Langlay


"The Create Unknown" is produced by Unknown Media.


CONNECT WITH US:


» Chat with us on DISCORD: https://discord.gg/qAQV3Jw

» Follow us on TWITTER: http://twitter.com/createunknown

» Follow us on INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/thecreateunknown

» Follow us on FACEBOOK: http://facebook.com/thecreateunknown

» View our website: https://thecreateunknown.com


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Comments 
In Channel
No One Cares. Now What?

No One Cares. Now What?

2025-10-2401:25:38

Writer’s Block is Fake

Writer’s Block is Fake

2025-10-1701:34:38

Stop Being Boring

Stop Being Boring

2025-10-0601:32:58

Does Identity Matter?

Does Identity Matter?

2025-10-0101:26:49

You Need to be Bored

You Need to be Bored

2025-09-1935:41

You Live in a Bubble

You Live in a Bubble

2025-08-2901:07:51

The Secret to Creativity

The Secret to Creativity

2025-08-2201:26:09

Is Art Really a Job?

Is Art Really a Job?

2025-08-0850:29

Is Success Even Worth It?

Is Success Even Worth It?

2025-07-2501:16:48

Everything’s Garbage

Everything’s Garbage

2025-07-1801:02:34

Does Reading Matter?

Does Reading Matter?

2025-07-0401:45:33

The Collapse of Thinking

The Collapse of Thinking

2025-06-2701:34:32

Should Artists Get Paid?

Should Artists Get Paid?

2025-06-1301:13:42

Are We Going Backwards?

Are We Going Backwards?

2025-06-0601:48:40

You’re On Your Own

You’re On Your Own

2025-06-0401:24:09

loading
00:00
00:00
x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

Are Algorithms Controlling Us?

Are Algorithms Controlling Us?

Unknown Media & Studio71