Sea shanties are trending ⛵️
You may be aware, but algorithms have changed on TikTok (& other social platforms) to measure views, in addition to likes.
So even as we only intend a voyeuristic peek at something we wouldn’t normally “like” or seek out, the algorithm knows you like it/are interested by virtue of how long you “stay” on the content.
This invariably leads to one traversing the realms of TikTok (e.g. Millennial TikTok, Ocean TikTok, Christmas Decoration TikTok) and give rise to some unexpected trends.
Something interesting crops up here as a result:
1) Have we consented to the algorithm assuming our interest in something we haven’t explicitly signaled interest in?
2) As data scientists, how do we work with perceived data as opposed to explicit/empirical data? How do we predict trends (pop culture or otherwise) from that which isn’t quite tangible? How does this change biases in the model, the way in which we tune, the way in which we interpret results?
In any case, sea shanties have somehow made their way mainstream by our inability to look away. And now our outright joy in ‘em.
Aye for one, ain’t mad about it this time.
If you’re in #yyc check out Women, Wind & Wine or Boys, Boats & Beer at the Glenmore Sailing Club for a good time at sea!
