Episode 245: I'm With The Brand (bots in the algorithm), part six

This episode is part six in an ongoing series about brands and how they influence our identities and drive consumerism. In this episode, we'll unpack how social media has been harnessed as a tool to drive trends, spread misinformation, and create influence. Also, Corinna, Cat, Bonnie, Kevin, and Miriam share their own thoughts about brands, loyalty, and consumerism. In this episode: 

• What is an algorithm anyway?
• Why do Amanda and Dustin have very different social media feeds, despite sharing many common interests?
• How does social media distort our perception of reality?
• What do Cracker Barrel, the 2024 election, and Amber Heard have in common?
• Some upcoming election shoutouts from Amanda

Additional reading:
Link between excessive social media use and psychiatric disorders (study)
"Cracker Barrel had good reasons to rebrand. But after its new logo misfired, here’s what’s next," Dee-Ann Durbin, AP.
"Cracker Barrel Is Making A Major Change & Customers Are NOT Happy: 'It's Giving Soulless'," Amanda Mactas, Delish.
Why fast food restaurants look the same (video)
"Cracker Barrel Outrage Was Almost Certainly Driven by Bots, Researchers Say," AJ Dellinger, Gizmodo.
"Amber Heard vs the Internet: An Organised Smear Campaign?," BBC.
"Hot Topic Is Still Hot," Paula Mejia, The New York Times.

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Slow Fashion Academy is a size-inclusive sewing and patternmaking studio based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Designer and fashion professor Ruby Gertz teaches workshops for hobbyists and aspiring designers, so that anyone can learn the foundational skills of making, mending, and altering their own clothes. Ruby also provides professional design and patternmaking services to emerging slow fashion brands, and occasionally takes commissions for custom garments and costume pieces. She has also released several PDF sewing patterns for original designs under her brands Spokes & Stitches, and Starling Petite Plus. Check the schedule for upcoming workshops, download PDF sewing patte