How Algorithms Flattened Culture

Kyle Chayka joins Ravi to discuss his book, Filterworld, an exploration of how algorithms shape our world and influence culture. They dive into how algorithms dictate our tastes, homogenize cultural experiences, and replace human gatekeepers with digital ones. Using coffee shops as a case study, they unpack the concept of aesthetic memes and how algorithm-driven trends spread across industries.

The conversation also delves into the evolution of taste in the algorithmic age, from the blending of musical genres to the challenge of finding originality in an increasingly curated digital landscape. Together, they explore what it means to break free from the algorithm and rediscover authentic cultural experiences.