In a scene that melds ancient ritual with modern grind, a congregation of influencers gathers under flickering neon torches.
This is the Algorithm Temple, where followers of the social media faith come to pray for virality. Clad in ceremonial hoodies, they chant SEO keywords in unison and present tributes on the altar: last week’s personal vlog, a freshly sacrificed weekend, a burnt-out soul on a platter – all in hopes of pleasing the inscrutable Algorithm god.
The high priest (wearing a robe emblazoned with a Wi-Fi symbol) raises his hands and intones, “O Algorithm, grant us thy blessing of views and engagement!” The great algorithmic monolith hums with mysterious calculations, its screen-face flashing tantalizing graphs one moment, punishing low reach the next.
In the cult of the Algorithm, creators sacrifice time, sleep, and sanity for a chance at the spotlight – yet the Algorithm giveth and taketh away on its own unknowable terms.
