Algorithmic Convergent Evolution: A Proposed Theoretical Framework for Digital Media

We are witnessing a profound structural shift in digital media. Whether you are looking at a news report, a music video, or an educational tutorial, the "container" of information is becoming identical: a high-velocity, vertical, looping video. This paper proposes a new theoretical framework to analyze this phenomenon: Algorithmic Convergent Evolution (ACE). Drawing on principles from evolutionary biology, I argue that this isn't a coincidence. Just as the physics of the ocean forces sharks and dolphins to evolve the same streamlined shape to survive, the "physics" of the modern feed - defined by infinite scroll and limited attention - forces unrelated content genres to converge on a single "Optimal Morphology." This research introduces a Tri-Axial Model to quantify this shift, measuring content based on Temporal Velocity (time-to-hook), Information Density (stimuli-per-second), and Structural Compliance. The findings suggest we are not just seeing a change in style, but a "morphological collapse" where the distinct traits of human expression are being selected out by the friction of the interface.

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Publication Details

Journal
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Published
2026-01-03
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18138541
Primary Topic
Language and cultural evolution
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Algorithmic Convergent Evolution: A Proposed Theoretical Framework for Digital Media

Satyajit Beura
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Language and cultural evolution
article

Algorithmic Convergent Evolution: A Proposed Theoretical Framework for Digital Media

Satyajit Beura
article en

Abstract

We are witnessing a profound structural shift in digital media. Whether you are looking at a news report, a music video, or an educational tutorial, the "container" of information is becoming identical: a high-velocity, vertical, looping video. This paper proposes a new theoretical framework to analyze this phenomenon: Algorithmic Convergent Evolution (ACE). Drawing on principles from evolutionary biology, I argue that this isn't a coincidence. Just as the physics of the ocean forces sharks and dolphins to evolve the same streamlined shape to survive, the "physics" of the modern feed - defined by infinite scroll and limited attention - forces unrelated content genres to converge on a single "Optimal Morphology." This research introduces a Tri-Axial Model to quantify this shift, measuring content based on Temporal Velocity (time-to-hook), Information Density (stimuli-per-second), and Structural Compliance. The findings suggest we are not just seeing a change in style, but a "morphological collapse" where the distinct traits of human expression are being selected out by the friction of the interface.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
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Language and cultural evolution
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