So much of our online activity is dictated by algorithms that decide what we see, sometimes adding context like “most popular” or “trending,” which may influence the way we approach certain content. Serendipity removes algorithms that are programmed to be biased about what deserves more views and what doesn’t, and instead presents content in a completely random way.

Sharing content online isn’t solely about spreading information more widely; it’s also (sometimes mostly) about shaping how we’re seen by others. The “leave for a stranger” functionality in this prototype explores what it’d feel like to be free from the performative aspects of being online — to share without knowing who you’re sharing with, and without anyone knowing who decided to share in the first place.

Explore Serendipity here and find the source code here.