Anointed By The Algorithm

We never meant to worship it

But somehow

The feed became a kind of altar 

Anointed by engagement

Ordained by likes 

Validated by followers

Each ping of approval

Tiny digital blessings

Shallow sacraments

Often hollow at the core

Still we continue to package ourselves

For the algorithm’s appetite 

Hoping the feed will prove who we are

We let the algorithm continue to anoint us

As if it were a priest of truth

Instead of a machine

Hungry for our attention

So maybe it’s time

To step down from the digital pulpit 

To another place

Untouched by metrics or likes

Unhooking our worth from the fickle blessings 

Of the feed

To become un-anointed 

And therefore free

By Tanya Cameron