Artificial intelligence and its potential impact on human aging processes
In the digital age, algorithms might be subtly guiding us through the various stages of our lives, often without our notice. From Netflix suggesting teen dramas to young viewers or promoting retirement-themed content to senior citizens, these platforms are not only recommending content but also subtly defining our identities. The question arises: are these algorithms shaping us according to their predefined categories, or merely reflecting our own desires and characteristics?
Predictive and Prescriptive Algorithms
The primary function of algorithms is to predict our future preferences, but they also reinforce societal norms about who we should be, consciously or subconsciously. For example, Netflix's 'trending' section is based on assumptions about one's life stage. Thus, a teenager might encounter content like "Sex Education" or "Stranger Things," while a new parent might find "Motherhood" or "Fatherhood." Older adults might be nudged toward classic shows like "Downton Abbey." This content isn't neutral — it's predictive and prescriptive, subtly pushing individuals into specific roles.
The 'Instagramification' of Life Stages
Instagram, a platform thatturns life milestones into aesthetically pleasing moments, sets a standard for success at any given age. Combined with algorithmic amplification, this can lead to increased pressure and anxiety for users who don't meet these milestones. According to social psychologist Jean Twenge, comparisons to such milestones can cause feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction. In this way, algorithms might be serving as social pressure enablers, showcasing not just wanted content but also what we 'should' have accomplished by a certain life stage.
Trends and Narratives
TikTok, with its content categories such as #chronicallyonline and #boomerhumor, amplifies generational divides. The platform categorizes users into niche communities, reinforcing stereotypes and potentially deepening age-related insecurities or widening intergenerational misunderstandings. Even gaming isn't immune, with platforms like Roblox or games like Fortnite catering primarily to younger players, possibly alienating older users.
From Consumption to Internalization
The issue isn't merely what algorithms deliver, but how we internalize the narratives they propagate. Repeated exposure to specific content can lead individuals to adopt these narratives as their own, thanks to the principles of social learning theory proposed by Albert Bandura. In the algorithmic age, we're not merely passive consumers but active participants in reinforcing these constructs, liking and sharing content that aligns with our perceived life stage.
The Consequences of a Pre-packaged Life
By boxing us into predefined life stages, algorithms limit our ability to evolve organically. Older individuals might feel out of place if they don't conform to traditional life milestones, while younger generations may face social pressure to achieve these milestones faster. Algorithms shape not just individuals but also societies, perpetuating rigid norms and making it difficult to escape stereotypes.
Reclaiming Your Narrative
Awareness is the key to change. Users are encouraged to question the narratives they consume, examining whether they reflect their true desires or conform to societal expectations. Platforms, too, should strive to offer diverse, non-conforming content to users. Imagine a platform that celebrates 70-year-olds learning to surf, or TikTok breaking down generational silos by promoting content that fosters understanding rather than division.
Final Thoughts
Algorithms are powerful tools, with the potential to both guide and mislead us. If unchecked, they may dictate the story of our lives. But by remaining curious, challenging conventional narratives, and seeking out diverse content, we can maintain control over our journeys, from cradle to retirement. Life isn't linear — it's a patchwork, and the best stories are those that defy expectations, regardless of what the algorithms say.
- Algorithms in education and self-development platforms, such as recommended courses or books, can predict our future learning preferences and potentially reinforce societal norms about personal growth and success.
- Technology and media outlets often create news content that caters to specific demographics, reflecting or even shaping the lifestyles and interests of their audiences.
- Marketing strategies often use predictive algorithms to target individuals based on their identified characteristics, potentially influencing our consumer choices and personal preferences.
- As we progress through various stages of our lives, algorithms might influence the narratives we internalize regarding our identities and roles in lifestyle magazines, social media platforms, and entertainment venues like Netflix. By understanding the role of algorithms, we can strive for a balanced approach, maintaining a sense of self-awareness and individuality while embracing technology's conveniences and opportunities.
