Watch The Secret Rules of Modern Living: Algorithms

The Secret Rules of Modern Living: Algorithms is a fascinating documentary that explores the widespread use of algorithms in our daily lives and its impact on our society. The show dives into the complex world of algorithms and how they are increasingly being used to shape our decisions, opinions, and behaviours in ways that we may not even be aware of.

The documentary starts by examining the origins of algorithms, tracing back to the era of ancient Greece where mathematical theories were first researched and developed. It goes on to explore the history of algorithms, how they have evolved over time and how they now underpin many aspects of modern living, from smart phone apps to the design of cities.

The show provides a captivating insight into how algorithms are used in various industries. One example is the use of algorithms by Amazon, a company that uses customer data to optimise its sales recommendations in order to drive revenue. Amazon has built a vast data-driven recommendation engine that suggests items to customers based on their previous purchases and browsing history. In this way, algorithms have become essential to the success of Amazon's business model, making it one of the preeminent online retailers in the world today.

Another example of the use of algorithms is in the transportation industry. The show chronicles how the London Underground has been redesigned based on algorithms to improve efficiency and reduce overcrowding. The Tube trains now run on algorithms, which are responsible for controlling the speed and frequency of the trains, based on real-time passenger demand data. This has led to a significant improvement in passenger experience, reducing wait times and making journeys more comfortable.

The show also examines the use of algorithms in healthcare. One such example is the way in which doctors use algorithms to diagnose and treat patients. By analysing medical data and clinical outcomes from similar patient groups, algorithms help doctors to make more informed decisions about diagnosis, treatment options, and prescriptions, leading to better patient outcomes.

But the show also highlights how algorithms can have negative consequences when they are used inappropriately. One example is how algorithms can perpetuate biases, such as gender and racial biases, which are inherent in the data that they are based on. This has led to growing concerns about the potential ethical implications of algorithms, particularly in areas such as criminal justice where they can be used to determine the likelihood of re-offending.

Overall, the show provides a comprehensive overview of the use of algorithms in modern living. It is a compelling and informative documentary that highlights both the benefits and drawbacks of algorithms in society. The show successfully captures the complex and often opaque nature of algorithmic decision making, and provides viewers with a greater understanding of how algorithms are shaping our lives.