SUNDAY SCROLL: Can algorithms kill?
Don't worry, I won't put you off your breakfast I promise!
Welcome to the Sunday Scroll where I humbly recommend something to read, watch, look at, listen to and do to #bemorehuman. Here we go!
Read this…
An algorithm rolled out by the government in an Indian state to verify welfare claimants has been “killing off” its citizens.
Now, those erroneously declared dead by the system are going to extraordinary lengths to prove that they are still alive. Read all about it here: Thousands In India Go To Great Lengths to Prove They Are Alive After Being ‘Killed’ By An Algorithm.
Watch this…
There have been some incredible, and terrible, advances in modern music production (Autotune anyone? 🤮), but sometimes all you need is the human instrument. This cannot fail to move you, and all in under a minute.
Look at this…
Towards the end of 2023 Time Magazine and the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) announced a new competition entitled ‘The Human Element’ to “celebrate the diversity of the human experience while touching on themes that unite the world at this moment in time — including climate change, gender identity, loss, and love”. This week they announced the winners and you can view them in all their eclectic glory here: See the Winning Photographs From TIME and ASMP’s Global Portraiture Competition. Gorgeous!
Listen to this…
When I grow up I want to be Kyle Chayka, he basically writes about everything I want to write about but so much better than me (please don't leave!). In his recent podcast with Ezra Klein he talks about how to form your own taste in the face of algorithms that want to tell you what you like and box you in for the benefit of advertisers. Of course, by listening to this, you will be telling the algorithm you want more of the same - aaaaarrrrggghh!
I can't wait to get stuck into Kyle's new book 'Filterworld: How Algorithms Flattened Culture'.
Do this…
Local theatre company Pangdemonium is reviving it's production of 'Falling' about two parents attempting to bring up a profoundly autistic son whilst being mindful of their daughter. If you want to witness the power of love and human compassion up close this is the production to watch. I saw it in 2016 when Andrew Marko broke through in the role of 'Joshua' and won a Straits Times Life Theatre Award for Best Actor. He’s back again and will no doubt bring the house down. Book tickets at: https://pangdemonium.com/whats-on-details/falling-2024.
Unlikely as it sounds, niche 90's shoegazers Slowdive are coming to Singapore in support of their new album 'Everything Is Alive'. I'm going with a crowd and you are welcome to join us - nothing creates human connection like live music! Book tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/slowdive-live-in-singapore-tickets-815086705277.
Have a wonderful Sunday and see you Thursday for more ‘Thursday Thoughts’. Best, N