It's Not Just In Your Head #86: The Gamification of Relationships (ft. Alfie Bown)
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Apr 27, 2022 In this conversation, Alfie Bown, a digital media lecturer and journalist, dives into his new book, 'Dream Lovers: The Gamification of Relationships.' He explores how technology shapes our emotional needs and desires. The discussion reveals the complexities of modern romance, where love may hinge more on platforms than people. Bown critiques the commodification of desire through dating apps and financial behavior, while also contemplating how societal forces impact personal connections and the potential for technology to foster a more equitable society.
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Reprogram Desire With Progressive Tech
- Use technology deliberately to reprogram progressive desires rather than only criticizing it.
- Design tools (e.g., apps, wearables) that encourage collective aims and socialist values.
Chinese Dating App Uses Credit Scores
- Alfie describes Baihe using Alibaba's Zhima credit to rank dating matches by conformity and credit score.
- The app gives higher-scoring users access to better matches, blending credit and romance.
Predictive Tech Constructs The Future
- Predictive tech doesn't merely forecast desires; it pre-defines them and invites compliance.
- The future is constructed by the rich and users are invited to participate in it.
