Trying something new today. As I amble through the Black Squares, Black Boxes, and Black Holes essay series, the idea continues to inflate like a balloon. It’s taken to the clouds, and carried me with it. So for my own sake (and probably yours too), let’s bring it back to Earth.
Coming down to Earth doesn’t have to mean deflating the balloon. I just need a counterweight — so I’m bringing a new email format into the mix. To balance out the idea balloon, I’m creating a bubble. A filter bubble, to be precise.
As you may know, the term filter bubble refers to a state of algorithm-induced media isolation. It suggests platforms show us only what we want to see (or what they think we want to see), implying various sociopolitical hazards may result. Rooted in internet activism, filter bubble often appears next to terms like algorithm, misinformation, echo chamber, and extreme. In these conversation circles (or bubbles?), a filter bubble is a definitively bad thing to be in.
To me, it’s just a variant of the adage you are what you eat, but with the added dimension that what you eat — or on the internet, the content you consume (my two least favorite buzzwords in one phrase!) — isn’t always up to you. Of course it’s not. This is why the saying exists in the first place: so kids across the world don’t eat Fruity Pebbles every meal of the day. You wouldn’t want to turn into sugary breakfast cereal, would you?
Even when you’re mature enough to “control” what you eat, a perfectly transparent diet is impossible. Usually you can’t even know the entire path a single meal takes to your plate, much less an entire diet. The same goes for media. You follow who you follow and like what you like; but at the end of the day, what appears on your timeline is mostly a mystery. Same with Chicken McNuggets, but that’s not stopping anyone.
Algorithms aside, content options are abundant. The modern media buffet includes (but certainly isn’t limited to): threads, forums, group chats, Slack channels, albums, articles, podcasts, movies, conversations IRL, and newsletters like this one. A filter bubble is simply your unique path through the cornucopia. So this is mine.
VU JA DE externalizes my personal filter bubble. It allows me to process the media around me, and spin it into something that makes sense (at least for me). I already wear my influences on my sleeve, so why not go straight to the source?
Filter Bubble Friday’s will be an extension of my favorite pastime — sharing cool stuff with my friends. I’m also curious what’s bouncing around your own filter bubbles, so feel free to send over whatever’s been on your mind/eyes/ears. Maybe that way, this project can look less like a solo treasure hunt, and more like a community garden.
Oh, and the Friday part? Simple. It’s the best day of the week. And it just got marginally better. So, let’s kick off the inaugural Filter Bubble Friday.
Filter Bubble Friday #1
Island of Flowers
(the text above is clickable, and will be for all of these)
Short film (12 min)
Speaking of the process food takes to our table, here's a 1989 short film by Brazilian filmmaker Jorge Furtado. In the playful, meandering style you might know from Kurt Vonnegut, this film tracks the web of production revolving around a single tomato (I won't spoil the rest). If you ever meet an alien who wants to understand humanity, show them this.
Nightmares On Wax — Back To Nature
Music video (8 min)
To continue the zoomed-out view on humanity, here’s “an emotional journey into humankind’s relationship with the natural world.” I dove deep into Nightmares On Wax last week, and after hours of listening, this music video by João Pombeiro was the perfect icing on the cake. And I’ve got a soft spot for anything collage, so this one’s extra special. I really can’t imagine how much work must have gone into it.
MAD
Shorter film (2 min)
A brief and beautiful collection of thoughts from a guy named Valentino. This one’s by a great friend of mine and huge creative influence — Rob Prochnow. Since he's too humble to push his work as shamelessly as I do, I'll share it for him. Editors out there, I hope this provides some inspo for you the way it has for me.
The Funkees — Dancing Time
Music compilation (1.5 hr)
This is hands down the best music I’ve heard so far in 2020. It’s a collection of 18 songs by Nigerian afro-rock group The Funkees — and every single track is exceptional. Toss it on and you’ll be bouncing around in no time. Props to Jordan for sharing this group in the company Slack.
The California Honeydrops — Just One More, and Then Some
Music EP (17 min)
Ever since my friend TJ put me onto this group a few years ago, it’s been a permanent staple in my good vibe jam library. They dropped this EP today, and it did NOT disappoint. Guaranteed to make your Friday 98% more Friday-like.
Hope you enjoyed this new email format. Feel free to share with your friends, and shoot over stuff you’ve been jiving with lately.
Till next time.