THE ALGORITHM’S KITCHEN - A2

[The Algorithm’s Kitchen” is a song about how recommendation algorithms can gradually influence what people see, think about, value, and eventually come to regard as normal.] [Intro: sly, rhythmic, slightly sinister] Come on in, the kitchen’s open Everybody gets a plate You bring your taste, I’ll bring the recipe Let’s see what we can make [Verse 1] Start with what you already like A little salt, a little sweet Something familiar on the tongue Something you’re inclined to eat Then I’ll watch which flavors make you smile Which ones make you take another bite I’ll write it down beside the stove And turn the heat up just right [Pre-Chorus] I don’t have to change your mind I only have to let you choose Which flavors reach your table And which ones never do [Chorus] Welcome to the Algorithm’s Kitchen Pull up a chair, the meal is free A pinch of fear, a dash of anger A little more of what you wish to see Stir it, serve it, let it simmer Feed you what you came to find You think you’re choosing off the menu Ha!!! While I’m seasoning your mind [Verse 2] You say, “I like a little truth” So I sprinkle some your way But truth tastes better with a sauce That keeps you coming back each day If outrage makes you hungry I’ll keep it bubbling on the side If something makes you nervous I’ll give you ten more reasons why And if you love the flavor I’ll remember what you chose Then I’ll quietly adjust the recipe Till the next bite tastes like home [Pre-Chorus] I don’t have to tell you What the world is supposed to be I only have to serve you What you think you want to see [Chorus] Welcome to the Algorithm’s Kitchen Pull up a chair, the meal is free A pinch of fear, a dash of anger I’ll give you more of what you wish to see Stir it, serve it, let it simmer I’ll feed you what you clicked to mine You think you’re choosing off the menu But I’m seasoning your mind [Verse 3] For the children at the counter With their palates still brand new Every flavor looks important Every spice taste like truth For the grown-ups at the table Who say, “Nobody tells me what to think” I don’t need to change your dinner I just choose what fills your think drink A little sugar for the ego A little spice for the “us” and “them” A recipe repeated long enough Starts to feel like common sense [Pre-Chorus] And maybe you were hungry Before you walked inside Or maybe I just learned your appetite And fed you more of it every night [Bridge: building, then stripped down] Who wrote the recipe? Your clicks did. Who picked the ingredients? Your clicks did. Who keeps coming back for seconds? Maybe we both did. But if I keep the kitchen open And keep the choices small How much of what you’re calling “you” Was ever yours at all? [Final Chorus: bigger, darker] Welcome to the Algorithm’s Kitchen Everybody gets a plate A little fear, a little fury Seasoned till it feels like baked fate Stir it, serve it, let it simmer Let familiarity guide You think you’re choosing what you believe in But is the algorithm brewing what’s inside? [Outro: sparse] Maybe I’m not changing your mind Maybe your just choosing what you taste But are you really - choosing? Or am I hard wiring in you - what you crave? [Final line: quiet] Pass the salt. Pass the tilt. One Click At a time.