Breaking Free From the Algorithmic Sushi Boat of Social News
Social media feeds act like endless sushi boats, serving up the same low-quality news on a loop. To break this unhealthy cycle, users look toward older, open technologies like RSS and email newsletters for a better diet.
Modern news consumption feels exactly like sitting at a sushi boat bar, where social media platforms continuously stream content for users to grab. However, this algorithmic approach simply serves the same imitation crab rolls repeatedly, targeting the lowest common denominator and pandering to base instincts. Relying solely on Facebook and Twitter for information is as unhealthy as eating fast food for every single meal.
To escape this trap, many people turn to email newsletters, though these quickly become difficult to manage and sort through. Industry observers point out that consolidating these subscriptions into an open, surveillance-free system is the ideal solution, a concept that sounds exactly like RSS. This older technology is currently experiencing a revival as users seek alternatives to algorithmic feeds.
Despite its recent resurgence among thought leaders and professionals, RSS historically struggles to attract the average consumer. For RSS or email newsletters to truly replace social media as a primary news source, they require a completely new framework rather than just a rehashing of past products. Additionally, any successful alternative must address the modern expectation of a social layer, since people naturally want to see what their friends are reading.