Spring 2021, Volume 30

Film by Chad Bolling

The Algorithm

Director's Statement:

The concept for "The Algorithm" was born out of the incredibly relatable, every day experience of our self-worth hinging on the validation of strangers through social media. I desired to show the ridiculous range of emotions one can experience at the hand of "likes" given, and how easy it is for past trauma to be triggered by the lack of them. With just myself and my camera, I called on my talented actor friend and the two of us shot the film in a matter of hours, and I cut it together in a handful of days afterward. The result is a painfully dark and funny story that I feel anyone who has ever posted on social media can relate to.
                                                                              — Heather Turman