Life By Algorithm by J. A. Crawshaw

It's a life by algorithm, in case you hadn't seen,

for our own good, they said, now everyone is keen.

The things you watch, the things you say, all noted in the cloud,

we're getting more of what we like, so feeling oh so proud.

Give me more, I want it now, we rubbed our hands with glee,

I can have whatever I want if I pay the monthly fee.

Netflix, YouTube, Amazon, their promise is insane,

yet all I do is flick around as everything's the same.

Fear not, there's more, for the hungry and the needier,-

it's our saviour at long last, in the guise of social media.

The personal lives of everyone streaming live and on your phone,

make-up tips, pick-pockets, and an irritating drone.

Watch it once, or hesitate, and they've got you by the goolies,

But keep your scroll, and do not stop, to ponder who the fool is?

Stepping out of line may seem divine, but be wary if you stray,

there's a world out there of popping boils and treating tooth decay.

To top it all, the holy grail, to buy on TikTok shop,

mini printers, wigs and vitamins — you can shop until you drop.

It's a life by algorithm, just in case you hadn't seen,

forget what's gone before and embrace the modern scene.

As you wave goodbye to proper shops and everything you knew,

your privacy has all but gone, and your freedom might have too.

"Algorithmic Contaminations" by derekGavey is licensed under CC BY 2.0.