What is Your Algorithm?

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Nature doesn't feel compelled to stick to a mathematically precise algorithm; in fact, nature probably can't stick to an algorithm.

Margaret Wertheim

Miriam Webster defines an algorithm as “a procedure for solving a mathematical problem (as of finding the greatest common divisor) in a finite number of steps that frequently involves repetition of an operation”.  And upon further inspection, they broadly define it as “a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem or accomplishing some end”.

My friend and I were lamenting about the annoying algorithms in our social media feeds that trap us in endless cycles of time-wasting nonsense. We all know that you get tagged if you linger on an item for just a moment. You keep seeing that same thing or similar content instead of what your friends post since they don’t pay for ad space or manipulate the system for followers and likes. You end up having to go to great lengths to ‘block’ and notify the powers that be that you don’t want to see that content – time and again! Somehow, those ads can even creep into your email and texts, requiring even more effort to eliminate them.

It’s a fun exercise to see if you can figure out your social media algorithm. Then, observe if it spills over into other areas of your life. Take an objective look at what appears in your feeds. Are they filled with positive, soul-nourishing content? Mundane advertisements for more and more stuff? Creepy, weird, or funny things? Or do they lean towards the more negative and unpleasant? Also, consider how you spend time with TV, podcasts, theater, or reading... Is it comedy? Drama? Mystery? Rom-Com? Action? Violence? News? Political arguments?

After reflecting on this for a few days, I realized that my social media feed is pretty dull, mainly featuring Zentangle® drawings, dog and cat videos, travel destinations, and lately, luggage (thanks to one interesting suitcase that caught my eye!). I don’t engage much with social media and only check Facebook a couple of times a week, if that. It certainly isn’t as enjoyable as it was when my friends and I started years ago... I loved to see what my various peeps were up to. But now, since I don’t spend much time on it, my friends’ posts hardly reach me, and I’m too lazy to seek them out, and before I know it, I’ve wasted too much time watching those cute dog videos!

We all know our social feeds are shaped by our most recent choices of what we have engaged with.  But what about the rest of our daily lives?  I want to propose that our daily lives resemble an algorithm, but the big question is: Who is the true programmer?  Are we not the ones choosing what to do, watch, read, and listen to beyond those feeds? We often get stuck in the same ruts, doing the same things repeatedly. It’s great if these are all soul-nourishing, enjoyable, and fulfilling experiences! But what if we find ourselves on autopilot at the opposite end of the spectrum? Or languishing somewhere in between?

If we find ourselves feeling unhappy, unfulfilled, or sad, perhaps taking an objective look at what drives our day—our algorithm—can help us switch gears. Should we pay attention to and notice other things? Should we spend time on something else? Something new and more fulfilling? Maybe we should watch or read more comedy and less violence. Should we minimize the busy work and ramp up the creative work?  Perhaps we can sprinkle in more fruits and vegetables to give our bodies a better chance at feeling better too!

Pay attention to your algorithms—what you focus on and how routine they become. Observe your step-by-step procedures. Then, ask yourself: Is this beneficial for you? For your family? Does it bring you happiness and fulfillment? If it does, that’s awesome—keep it up! If not, some rethinking and reprogramming may be necessary.

I’m pretty sure Mother Nature does not have any algorithms.  She goes about her days with remarkable spontaneity.  No human-made algorithms to drive her beauty or her destruction.  She is unpredictable and unplanned. She is the present moment.  Her seasons change, and she adapts. I believe we can learn a great deal from Mother Nature.

Can we break free from our non-nourishing algorithmic routines and embrace a more peacefully fulfilling life? Can we find new algorithms that better serve us?

What algorithm can you change for the better?

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