The fight for agency in the age of the algorithm

I can’t recall when I started going down the rabbit hole of reading about the pernicious peril of algorithms.

If this counts as irony, it might have been an algorithm that pulled me into reading more about the way our digital lives are being machine-curated to frack ever deeper to extract the last drop of our attention.

I’d like to think my reading has me better equipped to contend with the data-driven dopamine hits always just a scroll away.

But I’m worried about those who aren’t aware of the ways tech companies are engineering our world to make themselves ever richer as we surrender ever more of our agency.

Agency is at the core of our media literacy project, available for free to students throughout Manitoba – even during the summer holidays.

And in a sneak peek of what’s coming when kids return to the classroom in September, our newsroom staff have created a series of grade-appropriate videos to help students navigate the increasingly algorithmic media landscape.

I was tasked with a video that would work for high-school students, which you can watch here.

An image from my video explaining how algorithms control our experiences online. Watch the video here.

I’m not sure how the algorithms will respond to my video or the others our newsroom is producing. But my glass-half-full outlook has me hoping that giving the next generation a chance at the agency my generation had in the pre-digital era is a fight worth fighting.

And in case I needed encouragement, there was this from Barack Obama last month at the opening of his presidential centre in Chicago: “As algorithms keep feeding us a steady stream of distraction and outrage, as only the loudest, most extreme voices get attention, fanning our prejudices, appealing to our basest, most tribal instincts, it’s tempting to give in to cynicism and even despair, to stop trying.”

I won’t give in. The Free Press won’t stop trying.

Paul Samyn, Editor

Three Savour Manitoba magazine covers promoting a food, drink, and lifestyle publication.

COMING UP

Loved by many, but considered a menace by others. E-bikes, e-scooters and their various e-brethren are increasingly more common on city streets and active transportation paths.

Where there is consensus, though, is a call for clear regulations for how they operate in Winnipeg. Reporter Zoe Pierce has the story this weekend.

Calling all rugby enthusiasts, Princess Auto Stadium is set to host international men’s rugby test matches on Saturday in a doubleheader. The Canadian men’s team clashes with Zimbabwe at 7 p.m. while Tonga faces Portugal at 3:45 p.m.

Joshua Frey-Sam will be on scene to deliver all the action from the pitch, as well as teeing up the Canada-Zimbabwe clash with a feature on the lone Manitoban on the Canadian side, Kyle Steeves.

ONE GREAT PHOTO

Muralist Mandy Van Leeuwen works on a new work commemorating Folklorama on Sargent Avenue earlier today. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Free Press)

BREAKING NEWS

Tyler Searle:

Sheriff who died in train collision ‘loved everybody’

Indigenous man with two children — and another on the way — remembered as role model Read More

Tiago Resko:

Administering help, hope

Demand for Naloxone training workshops grows as drug crisis intensifies Read More

Ken Wiebe:

Perf-ect news for Jets fans

Manitoba Miracle forward signs five-year contract with club Read More

WELL-READ STORIES THIS WEEK

Tyler Searle:

Former Manitoba MP charged with firearms offences

‘We are still investigating’: RCMP seize 439 weapons from home of longtime Dauphin politician Inky Mark Read More

Erik Pindera:

Convicted arsonist accused in Walmart blaze, caused $10M in damage

Accused helped himself to McDonald’s drink as dozens of shoppers, staff evacuated: police Read More

Scott Billeck:

MMF buys long-vacant federal lab

Métis federation quickly becoming a player in downtown redevelopment Read More

Gabrielle Piché:

WestJet cabin crews issue warning

Strike vote closes Wednesday for 4,400 nationwide members of CUPE Local 8125; labour action could begin as early as Aug. 2 Read More

Conrad Sweatman:

High on passion, low on fuel

Canadian artists grapple with touring difficulties as gas prices rise Read More

DEEP DIVES

Julia-Simone Rutgers:

Gone with the wind?

Westman residents fear power project’s breeze-harnessing turbines will sully their idyllic landscape Read More

Dan Lett:

Trial by virus

As Canada’s newest top doc, Dr. Joss Reimer immediately had to confront two deadly global outbreaks Read More

Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe:

Jets mailbag: Breaking down the club’s off-season moves

One player seemingly can’t wait to get here. The other is looking for an exit route. Not surprisingly, these two Winnipeg Jets were featured prominently this month in our Free Press mailbag. Read More

FRINGE FEST

The Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival opens today. Our team will be reviewing all 160 shows; you will find a selection of reviews in our print edition and all 160 on our website by Tuesday.

Here’s some preview coverage to get you started:

Jen Zoratti:

Level up your fringe experience

Before you press start on this year’s fringe, consult someone who has logged serious hours. Whether you are a first-time fringer or chasing another festival high score, these tips will help you play smarter. Read More

Ben Waldman:

Louis Riel’s life reimagined as a genre-hopping production

One thing everyone can agree on: Louis Riel contained multitudes. Read More

Ben Waldman:

Look who’s coming back: a sneak peek at fringe faves

It’s all in the game at this year’s Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival. Though the majority of the indie performances at this year’s fest don’t have to do with video games, the “Play Hard” theme will surely yield dozens of critical hits for veterans and newbs alike. Read More

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Malak Abas:

No more trashing paper coffee cups

Empties can be thrown into blue box Read More

Joel Schlesinger:

Losing proposition

Sports gambling marketing during World Cup raises concerns about negative influence on susceptible audiences Read More

Free Press staff:

Toys ‘R’ Us closing Polo Park store

Embattled toy retailer Toys “R” Us is closing its store in Winnipeg’s Polo Park area. Read More

Nicole Ireland, The Canadian Press:

Do masks help? What about air conditioning? What to know about wildfire smoke protection

Smoke from wildfires can have serious health consequences. Here are some ways to protect yourself and your loved ones. Read More

Lauren Krugel, The Canadian Press:

House rich, cash poor: When a reverse mortgage might make sense

Reverse mortgages were at one time considered the Wild West of financial products, associated with aggressive and even predatory sales tactics. But some experts say they're an option worth considering for older Canadians who are house rich, cash poor and well aware of the pros and cons. Read More

Nina Dragicevic, The Canadian Press:

Resale 101: Items collecting dust in your house could be turned into cash

There’s money hiding in your closet and old, forgotten drawers. It might not look like cash — it could be retro technology, a vintage handbag, an old guitar. But if it’s in good condition, someone will likely buy it. Read More

OPINIONS: COLUMNS AND ANALYSIS

Dan Lett:

Carney trumps Trump with Gordie Howe bridge deal

This is the reality of dispute resolution with the Trump administration: getting what we want but doing it in a way that gives the wacky, volatile and irrational president some sort of moral victory to parade on social media. Read More

By Melissa Martin:

When it comes to our city’s tree canopy, Winnipeggers stand tall

For over 50 years, we’ve watched trees slowly vanish from the core neighbourhoods of the city. There’s no way to put a price tag on that loss, in either beauty or environmental value. But the trees of Winnipeg have many allies. Read More

Rebecca Chambers:

Out of sight, out of mind, out of hope

We know our city has problems — drugs, poverty, crime, infrastructure (oof, Graham Avenue). So it’s unsurprising, if not discouraging, that West Broadway isn’t turning a corner in terms of reflecting these issues. But it is somewhat of a surprise our city councillor continues to be silent on it, especially with an election looming. Read More

Janine LeGal:

An evening in the emergency room

This situation needs immediate intervention. Anything less means nothing. Read More

Jen Zoratti:

Tanmaxxing trend leaving gen Z cooked

Tanning isn’t new and, like every beauty norm, has seasons where it’s in and seasons where it’s out. But unlike their bronzed forebears, gen-Z tanfluencers know the risks of sun exposure. Read More