An algorithm is a set of rules used in computer programs that produce results based on basic math and/or simple "IF this THEN that ELSE that" statements. They are used to do everything from predicting what you will buy on Amazon to what you want to watch on Youtube or what will happen if you drop a bit of blue dye into a container of yellow fluid.
Some programs use algorithms to direct you to do certain things without you really knowing you are being directed. For instance, Google and Facebook both use data from you to "steer" you towards certain content such as ads for products you might be interested in or political content that aligns with you beliefs.
On the surface, no big deal until you begin to think about what else they could be used for.
There is a video platform called TikTok that is very, very popular. It consists of short videos created by the users of the platform, just like Youtube but with a time limit of several minutes. People love it. They scroll through thousands of videos and they are entertained by the silliness, educated by the intellect and touched by the light-hearted moments shared with them.
There is an algorithm that drives what videos you will see when you scroll through the offerings and there is a problem with that.
You see, TikTok was created by, and is controlled by, the Chinese government.
It is very easy to direct someone's thinking simply by bombarding them with things you want them to see. It's called propaganda and it works pretty well. For instance, if you want people to believe you won the presidential election even though you lost, all you have to do is say that you won as loudly and as often as you can. If you do it long enough, eventually people will begin to believe your lie. They will begin to believe what you say.
In the case of TikTok, the algorithm shows you videos based on where you live.
If you live in China, you get to directed to content that is designed to make you think acting like a good citizen, being productive and following the rules is good and it is what you should do.
If you live outside of China, you get directed to content that is designed to make you think being silly, being lazy and breaking the rules is what you should do.
If you live in the United States, not only do you get directed to the silly, rebellious content, you also get directed to content that is designed to kill you.
If you or your kids are into TikTok, you and your kids need to know about the algorithm. You need to know that China is trying to kill you.
Brayan Bello has the mound for tonight's game and hopes are high. The kid has been pitching very well so my thinking is he will at least make a good showing.
As for the bullpen, I'm afraid I just don't have the same level of faith. Hopefully they don't implode...
The Bruins announced today that they have offered, and he has accepted, a one-day contract to Zdeno Chára so that he can retire as a Bruin.
The guy has had a 25 year career, most of it with Boston. Hockey is a tough sport and 25 years of hits, checks, fights, falls and the wear-and-tear on his legs from skating, he pretty much deserves to retire. He also deserves to retire from Boston because because he spent 14 of those 25 years with the Bruins.
By the way, Bruins drop puck against the Rangers in one week. Their home opener is at 7:00 on 9/27 and I will be watching them. I will be flipping back and forth periodically to keep track of the Red Sox but the Bruins will be on the big screen and the Red Sox will be in the PiP corner.
I'm gonna watch some baseball.
You can do whatever you want.
- Trump wanted it his way until he didn't want it his way.
- I've always said that Springfield's motto should be, "Come back to Springfield. We weren't shooting at you!"
- Jebus Effin Cripes, what the hell is wrong with that man. It wasn't a concert or a first-run movie. It was a funeral. Who gives a shit where Biden sat.
- Key phrase in this story: "His name is Kevin."
- Apparently vegetarians are aggressive.
- Attention beer drinkers: Budweiser is naturally carbonated and doesn't put any CO2 in their beer.
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