VIEW IT, SHARE IT, WEAR IT LIKE A BADGE OF HONOR
(2023)
Spotify Wrapped appears to give an unfiltered snapshot of our musical identities, yet critics argue the carefully curated listening narratives say more about Spotify's algorithms than our “authentic” tastes. This paradox prompts the ritual of viewing our personalized wrapped results, embracing the assigned “listening personality,” and sharing for social validation.
We participate aware that Wrapped’s data flattens discovery by matching us to mainstream sounds. Still, we post as if it reflects our genuine musical selves. Why? Wrapped forges digital intimacy through audio auras and absolves us of identity curation. Its collective recognition also allows self-inclusion in an online phenomenon. So we view it, share it, and wear it like a badge of honor. But in feeding the cycle of streaming and data collection, we lose personal curation to optimized algorithms dictating taste.
What musical identities and cultures does this algorithmic influence shape? Wrapped suggests our musical identities are no longer our own.