"When you're looking at your phone, it may seem like you're in control, pushing the buttons. But in reality, the phone is part of a much larger system—like a giant weather system. On the other side of the screen, it's not you who is pushing the buttons; it's an algorithm crafted by engineers and business teams, influencing your reactions. My personal reflection on this is that, whenever I'm reading something on my phone, despite the wealth of power, information, and learning available, I find it crucial to ask myself: Does this trend or emotion impact my life? Will I remember this event or trend in a year? These critical questions help create a moment of pause before reacting to anything." - Jeremy Au
"Algostorms are not just algorithms designed to manipulate your engagement; they act as curators and gatekeepers of a global society interacting in unprecedented ways. Humans are biologically inclined to communicate within small circles—friends, family, tribe, village. It's only in the last 50 years that we've been able to communicate with everyone in the world. When you post something online, your message can potentially reach millions or billions. These algorithms massage and shape this interaction, reflecting back to individuals what the rest of society thinks." - Jeremy Au
"Some people respond to an algostorm much like they would to a storm—they use it to push their own agenda. Just as sailors or surfers harness the wind and waves to move faster, these individuals align themselves with trending topics. This practice, known in marketing as 'trendjacking,' involves spotting trends early and riding the wave. We all remember the Ice Bucket Challenge—a clear example where various corporations and individuals jumped on the bandwagon, using the trend to advocate for their causes. Today, we see many instances where companies and others try to stay ahead of the social media conversation, attempting to hijack the trend or, in a sense, surf the algostorm." - Jeremy Au
In this episode, Jeremy Au speaks on Algostorm - algorithm storm social manipulation, trendjacking botnets, and government countermeasures.
Keywords: Algostorm, Algorithm Storm Social Manipulation, Trendjacking Botnets, Government Countermeasures, Singapore, Southeast Asia, VC, Thought Leadership
