Never Post Assigned Male At Login
Aug 13, 2025
Toby Martin, a contributing producer who investigates social algorithms and gender, joins Justin Jackson, co-founder of Transistor.fm, to dissect how algorithms shape perceptions of identity. They explore the peculiar nuances of hyper-masculine ads experienced by trans men and discuss the challenges of algorithmic targeting. The conversation also dives into the evolution of RSS, highlighting its significance in content distribution and the push for open standards in the digital landscape, making it clear that RSS still has a vital role in media consumption today.
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Virality Creates Narrow Feedback Loops
- Adam and Toby describe algorithmic amplification: popular content among a demographic gets amplified and then mis-targeted.
- This creates feedback loops where creators double down and platforms push the same narrow content to broader audiences.
Ads As A Way To Try On Identity
- Toby recounts first feeling affirmed by being served 'guy' ads while still presenting femme in real life.
- He used algorithmic output as a way to experiment with masculine identities online.
Discard Algorithm Labels, Choose Your Identity
- Toby concludes you can reject the algorithmic label and define your own gender expression.
- He advises choosing what manhood means to you instead of performing for ad profiles.
