You are your algorithm.

What is the algorithm?

We hear it often.

Do you ever take the time out to understand it? An algorithm is a set of instructions for solving a problem or accomplishing a task. It is an automated reasoning used within our everyday lives used for calculation and data processing.

In simple terms, computers manage and determine through collected data, what type of information, entertainment, etc, will be a top priority when it comes to mainstream consumption.

How does it work?

When was the last time you took a look at your explore page? Or what about your playlist? Have you ever payed attention to the movies suggested on your Netflix account?

These are all examples of how the algorithm operates on different platforms. Let's take Instagram for instance. From the likes you give along with the accounts you follow to the videos you view are all calculated data.

This data is collected automatically.

From 2021 and beyond the primary goal for companies and search engines alike will be gathered data. Businesses will use this collected information to make decisions with accuracy, being able to identify problems, and develop strategic marketing approaches just to name a few.

Everything is connected.

There's a reason why you may have been searching for restaurants to eat near you on google then a few minutes later as you scroll on Facebook or Instagram you'll see many sponsored advertisements of local eateries.

All about the data.

How it rules your subconscious.

You are what you eat and you consume what you eat. Just as you consume subsistence when your are hungry, depending on what you have eaten will impact your mood. Majority of the time you may tend to consume things that taste delicious but the ending results are usually regretful. Or you can eat a clean or well balanced meal and feel energized and well nourished.

It's no different when it comes to the psychological effects of technology while we consume digital media. Now the actual platforms aren't bad or inherently negative nor are they righteous. It comes down to the "user" which is a very interesting term they use to describe us who operate those platforms. Who knows, but unfortunately for many years to come, doctors, researchers, psychologists, etc, may very well be partaking in various studies in which social media/the internet and how it has impacted the psyche of humans.

One of the many unfortunate effects of utilizing social media on the regular can be operating within a constant state of comparison. It's natural to feel a certain type of way in the moment while viewing a photo or video of someone you may or may not know "living their best life" or flaunting material possessions which majority of the masses aspire to have. Or maybe a couple showcasing their relationship/marriage to everyone daily to the point you may begin to ask yourself..,what am I doing wrong?

In theses instances we have to remember that everything we see online has a strong possibility of being an illusion. These moments that we lend much of our attention to are just that, MOMENTS.

You'll never fully understand what people are dealing with behind closed doors. FOMO meaning "fear of missing out" can also be another factor of how social media effects mental health and can lead to depression.

How can we control it?

Technology is growing at a rapid pace by the day and it's fair to say that it isn't going anywhere. The best thing we can all do as humans is do your best to understand how it works and where it's headed within the near future.

Healthy detachment is always encouraged to appreciate the life in front of you. One of the most practical things you can do is practicing being still, even if it's for five minutes. If you're able to practice it longer that's even better. Learning how to channel the energy within but understand this takes time and discipline. Realizing that most of our issues begin internally and there is a raging fire going on within everyone of us.

Stillness can harness those flames, creating an internal fireball in which you have the power to release or redistribute in productive ways beyond our imagination.

Like life, everything requires balance to coexist.