Una's post | Quora

Why "algm" Is Way More Than Just a Buzzword (And Why I’m Lowkey Obsessed!) Okay, real talk — have you noticed how everyone is throwing around the word “algm” lately? Like, it’s *everywhere* — in tech convos, startup pitch decks, even random TikToks. But here’s the thing: for most people, “algm” is just some techy shorthand they scroll past. For me? It’s kinda my current obsession. Buckle up, because I’m about to take you on my “algm” journey — what it means, why it actually matters, and how it’s awkwardly, beautifully seeping into my everyday life. So, What Even Is “algm”?! First off, “algm” is just short for “algorithm,” but it’s become this stand-in for anything tech-brained and mysterious. When you think about it, algorithms are everywhere — not just when you Google something or scroll your timeline. Think: the playlist you’re vibing to? “algm.” That perfect ad popping up for shoes you mentioned two days ago? “algm” again. Even stuff like dating apps — it’s all “algm” magic (or curse, depending on how your last swipe went). Let me tell you how I realized the “algm” effect in my daily grind… I used to be the person who scoffed at all this tech stuff. “It can’t be THAT smart,” I’d think as I furiously deleted yet another targeted ad for overpriced coffee gadgets. But then: one *wildly* accurate movie recommendation later (seriously, it was like Netflix had read my mind), and I was hooked. I started to notice it everywhere. My news feed adapting to my mood. My grocery app remembering my oat milk addiction. Even my YouTube homepage – suddenly, it's deep dives into topics I never said out loud but somehow needed. And it made me feel... honestly, both amazed and a teensy bit freaked out. Is the “algm” my helpful BFF, or is it lowkey a stalker with wifi? Real Moments: When “algm” Gets It RIGHT (And Wrong) Here’s the hilarious part: Sometimes, “algm” absolutely nails it. I remember once craving a new book series — next thing I know, my eBook app is pushing the exact genre I was thinking about. On a roll! Or when I was stuck in a cooking rut, suddenly my food delivery app started showing me these *wild* Korean fusion spots around my block. Serendipity? Nah, that’s just “algm” flexing. Of course, sometimes it’s off. After ONE late-night search about fixing a leaky pipe (pro tip: call the plumber), I started getting bombarded with tools and “DIY Masterclass” ads for weeks. Like, no thanks “algm,” I’m not that person. But Is All This “algm” Good for Us? Honestly? Mixed feelings. On one hand, it’s convenient AF. My life feels a little smoother, like my phone just “gets” me. But I’m also kind of wary. What am I trading for all this ease — privacy? Randomness? Are my niche obsessions just part of someone’s data spreadsheet now?? Plus, there’s the FOMO factor. It bothers me that sometimes the “algm” might be boxing me in — showing me just what I “like,” but not what I *could* love if I wandered outside the lines. I miss that old-school stumble-upon vibe, you know? My Take: Embrace The “algm”... But Stay a Little Weird Here’s where I land: “algm” can be magical but only if you stay conscious of what info you’re giving away and keep control of your own curiosity. I still let the algorithm serve me music and memes, but I make a point to go searching for stuff way outside my bubble — to throw it off, at least a little! I’ll click a weird rabbit hole just to see what happens. Sometimes, the “algm” even learns and evolves with me, which is both awesome and a little dystopian (not gonna lie). At the end of the day, I think the best we can do is use these tools without letting them totally use us. The “algm” isn’t going anywhere — so why not mess with it a little, have fun, and keep a bit of our messy, unpredictable selves in the mix? Your turn: What’s the weirdest/best suggestion you’ve ever gotten from an “algm”? Do you ever mess with your feeds on purpose, just to see what happens? Drop your stories below — I’m dying to hear about your own “hacked by the algm” moment!