De.fault is a recommendation engine built to reduce bias and broaden horizons.

What lies behind the phrase "You might also like"? Recommendation algorithms have become the beating heart part of any business, resulting in privacy trackers profiling our every online visit. The paradox of limiting our exposure to what we like is that it makes us more passive and less curious — the consequence of which is "the more you see, the smaller your world becomes."

De.fault, as a recommendation engine, intentionally provides de-personalized information to broaden our perspectives and to counteract filter bubbles, ideological rigidity, social anxiety, and increasingly addictive and toxic content. Acting as a talkative friend, De.fault shares the underlying stories and diverse views around the content we view online — enriching the default lenses in each of our lives.

De.fault is a recommendation engine built to reduce bias and broaden horizons.

What lies behind the phrase "You might also like"?

Curiosity is one of the greatest forces that make us who we are, and perhaps the key to breaking free from the biases of our former selves. But where do we get in touch with new information these days?

We're sure you're familiar with the phrase "You might also like". Recommendation algorithms have become the beating heart part of any business, resulting in privacy trackers profiling our every online visit. The paradox of limiting our exposure to what we like is that it makes us more passive and less curious — the consequence of which is "the more you see, the smaller your world becomes. Our past leads our future down the "rabbit hole.

De.fault is a recommendation engine, created with the exact opposite intention of the algorithms that dominate the market. It is built to reduce bias and broaden horizons, while intentionally provides de-personalized information to broaden our perspectives and to counteract filter bubbles, ideological rigidity, social anxiety, and increasingly addictive and toxic content.

Let's just say we're looking to buy a bed. An ad algorithm online would probably show us a pillow, lamp, or endless beds! But if we could suggest a TED talk about good sleep, then it may shift the context to well-being. How about recommending a bedtime story? It can be an attempt to get you closer to personal growth: Depending on which thing you get, the context will vary. And we could imagine situations where, instead of a bed, this process is associated with guns, gays, abortion, meat consumption, makeup tutorials, K-pop, homelessness, stray animals, etc.

Acting as a talkative friend, De.fault shares the underlying stories and diverse views around the content we view online — enriching the "default" lenses in each of our lives.

Ok, but can't I be more proactive for myself, my friends and family?

Where do negative judgments about yourself, others, or situations come from? It is most likely the result of the fact that you have a clear agenda and a sense of need for change.

There are two extended versions of the De.fault program. Whereas the original De.fault focuses on reducing bias, the extended version focuses on intentionally holding developmental biases to prompt change. Consisted of 'Me.fault' to change myself and 'We.fault' to educate each other, it provides a path to break through inertia to live a broader, more welcoming life.