Two new subscription services are aiming to restore serendipity to our cultural habits
Much of what we listen to today is driven by algorithms as opposed to coming across the unexpected. Photograph: Pongtorn Hiranlikit/Alamy
Much of what we listen to today is driven by algorithms as opposed to coming across the unexpected. Photograph: Pongtorn Hiranlikit/Alamy
Sun 4 Apr 2021 04.15 EDT
Last modified on Sun 4 Apr 2021 07.44 EDT
Are you reading this by pure chance? Or are you on the lookout for articles about the value of serendipity and random encounters?
In an age of online shopping, commercial algorithms and streamed entertainment, most of us are rarely confronted by things that have not been digitally matched to our previous interests or prejudices. Few will have avoided the suggestion “if you’ve enjoyed X, then you’ll like Y and Z” as they browse the internet looking for books, films or music.