Algorithms
Are they supposed to be understood?
All of us have been subject to algorithms of some sort if we have used online services. We try to understand how they work in some cases. I think this is near impossible particularly if we don’t have a technical background. I remember using online dating apps and being befuddled on occasion by some of the matches I was presented with. On more than one occasion, I was matched with dominant men looking for a submissive. I could never figure out what was in my profile that led to this. Does anyone understand Medium.com’s algorithm regarding payouts or reading list generation? If so, I would love to know more.
The dictionary defines algorithm as a process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem solving operations, especially by a computer. “Set of rules” sounds rather arbitrary. This definition makes perfect sense for computer driven processes. If we stay with it, we can make some sense of the way computers work. It’s the algorithms of The Universe that are far more mysterious.
I briefly dated Pete a few years ago and the relationship went nowhere other than his bedroom. It is my “deeply shallow relationship”. We like each other, but our lives are so different that we are not on the same page about much other than getting together for an occasional romp in the hay. I have been staying out of his bedroom for the past year since I have found a more meaningful relationship. It is still fun to think about my time with him, and how he still wants me. On some shallow level, I just like being wanted by him.
I was considering inviting Pete to attend my horse show last Sunday. I knew this wasn’t quite appropriate because he is not my boyfriend and has no interest in doing anything together other than having me come to his house to fool around. I had a few days of internal debate about inviting him, and decided against it.
I got a text seemingly out of nowhere from Pete on Saturday just putting feelers out to see what I was doing. I don’t know how this works, but it has happened before. Something happens when I am having conflict about not seeing Pete anymore that makes him start to look for me. Algorithms.
Thank you for reading. :)
