At the intersection between outcome and agency is a hidden world of untold factors: Dating app algorithms. Sport betting odds. Consumer finance incentives. They impact our lived experience, but we often don’t know they exist at all. 

In this episode of Hold That Thought hosts Taylor and Becca explore everyday situations where hidden mechanics and misaligned incentives are rigging the odds and changing outcomes, right under our noses without us even knowing. From the matches we see on Hinge, to stock prices traded on the NYSE, the devil is in the factors behind the scenes. 

Topics: Algorithms, Odds, Stacked Odds, Sports Betting, Dating Apps, Ticketmaster, Stock Exchange, CFBP, Consumer Finance 

Resources:
The Algorithms of Dating Apps, Explained
Legal Issues to Know Before Offering a Sale or Coupon
Hinge’s CEO insists the app doesn’t have an ‘attractiveness score’ after users’ frustration. Here’s how he says the algorithm works—and why the free version is ‘sacred’
FTC Sues Live Nation and Ticketmaster for Engaging in Illegal Ticket Resale Tactics and Deceiving Artists and Consumers about Price and Ticket Limits
Justice Department and Live Nation reach settlement over Ticketmaster illegal monopoly case
Who Benefits from Trump’s Move to Shut Down Consumer Financial Protection Bureau?
Trump administration attempts to close the CFPB, block agency’s work
Against the Rules: The Seven Minute Rule
Against the Rules: The Magic Shoebox
“Who Is Government? The Untold Story of Public Service” by Michael Lewis