Archive · 16 Sep 2025
How Algorithms Now Control Us, and How to Regain Control
Imagine your body as a machine that fixes itself.
Cybernetics is like that, but for machines and even societies!
It's about how things use feedback to stay on track, like a thermostat.
In the past, governments could digitally manage national economies, but now, private companies control it.
This means they can shape our choices online by feeding us specific information.
The author is concerned that these algorithms, not elected officials, are making the decisions.
Norbert Wiener's 1948 work introduced cybernetics.
Cybernetics is the science of control and communication in complex systems.
Systems use feedback loops to maintain balance and achieve goals.
Modern digital applications use cybernetic principles to influence behavior.
The author expresses concern that private enterprises control the algorithms.
- Who
- Norbert Wiener introduced Cybernetics
- What
- Cybernetics is the study of control and communication in systems using feedback loops.
- When
- 1948: Norbert Wiener published Cybernetics.
- Where
- The ideas have been applied to various systems, from the human body to digital applications.
- Why
- To understand and control complex systems for achieving desired outcomes.
Concerns about Corporate Control
Implied, but not directly stated
Control of Algorithms
Concerns about Corporate Control
Algorithms are controlled by private corporations.
Implied, but not directly stated
Implied: Control should potentially reside with elected representatives.
- Key Concept
- Cybernetics: Control and communication in systems
- Originator
- Norbert Wiener
- Core Idea
- Systems use feedback loops to maintain equilibrium
- Modern Application
- Algorithms influencing user actions
- Concern
- Private enterprises control algorithms, not government