A few reason not to have algorithms in nostr:
1. Higher signal from people you follow.
Without algos, you have to be selective about who you follow, and you’re more likely to curate that group of people often. Since content is not surfaced via some relational query, you just see what your circle posts.
Nostr without algorithms also resembles life more closely than other social networks. You have to literally be online to see what someone said. Sleeping? You may miss their note unless it is not buried enough that you can go back to it, or if they mention you directly. I think anything that more closely resembles real life interactions is ultimately healthier for us.
Of course that doesn’t mean you’ll miss everything. If the note is great, enough people will like or zap it that sorting can still surface it for you when you are back.
2. Better relationships from smaller number of direct connections. If the Dunbar’s number is to be trusted, we are limited at 150 people with whom we can maintain social connections. Without algos and curation of people you follow, you are more likely to form stronger connections. This in turn makes the network feel more intimate and friendly. Even as we speak I follow 178 people and it feels just about right.
3. Ability to step away without being punished. At least on Twitter, anecdotal evidence suggests that if you step away, your reach diminishes and you have to “earn” it back. Without algos on Nostr you don’t need to worry about this. Just step away as long as you need to - better overall for mental health. Come back when you like and you’ll still reach everyone who follows you. This is exactly how real life works - you enter a room of people and they will all hear you instead of a tiny fraction.
While other social networks optimize for engagement and time spent on website, I think nostr should optimize for maximum mental health and least stress.
Curious to hear ya’ll thoughts…
