If You Want Serendipity and Transformation, Embrace 'Newest Literally'

Source: Dev.to

Summary

• It’s challenging to obtain genuinely new information; platforms often obstruct this, and we have our own biases.
• Intentionally seeking out literal newness can lead to serendipity and make it easier to find hints for transformation.
• There’s a lot of noise, and catching up can be exhausting.
• Engineers are not exempt; mastering literal newness can be a strength.

Background

The Impression Competition Is Everywhere

On every platform, finding “new” content through search functions is tough because content isn’t strictly displayed in order of newest updates.
Why isn’t this supported? Because it doesn’t generate impressions. Whether it’s YouTube, TikTok, or DEV Community, platforms gain more impressions by prioritizing “more noticeable content.” Consequently, literal newness is often overlooked.

The Same Faces with Similar Content

We’re all a bit tired of seeing the same faces producing similar content. While many of those creators are talented, there’s a distinct bias and a lack of diversity. This makes serendipity and transformation difficult, as both often lie outside existing norms. Walking only well‑trodden paths won’t lead to anything new.

Newest Literally

Newest Literally refers to displaying new content strictly in descending order of the update date. By doing so, the method literally shows newness, making it easier for users to explore fresh material. Although newcomers generally have weaker content compared to veterans, hidden gems still exist. What is useful varies by person and timing, but access to literal newness is highly beneficial for serendipity and transformation hints.

Example

Newest Literally is a concept I’ve put into words, but Japan has long excelled at it. In blogging services, both Hatena Blog and note implement literal newness, allowing complete novices to be discovered if their content excels.

Engineers and Newest Literally

You Might Be in a Filter Bubble

As an engineer, information gathering is often filtered by authority: senior engineers, friends, or popular individuals and events. Platform‑side tweaks for impressions influence you without your knowledge, creating a filter bubble.

With the concept of Newest Literally, you can pop the bubble. For example, you might filter by descending order of update frequency on systems or tools you regularly use. If you have the capability, you could even create a system that displays daily posts or knowledge in literal newness.

Encountering useful information through literal newness is unpredictable; it depends on your skill and stance. Can you keep up with an average of 30 “Newest Literally” entries added daily? It’s harder and more tiring than imagined. Even senior engineers find it difficult, and many feel that only at a staff level can engineers manage it effectively.

Benefits

The following benefits can be gained through literal newness:

• Increased exposure to information and perspectives you don’t usually encounter, leading to:
  • Easier encounters with serendipity
  • Easier discovery of transformation hints
• Unreported issues or problems can be discovered, as engineers on the ground might quietly write about essential issues.