When and if Algorithms Rule the World

I like the fact that algorithms, a mysterious term to many, is being brought up more today.  Here is another example in a BBC article.  Like all tools they need to be used wisely and with human involvement:

From the BBC:  " .... If you were expecting some kind warning when computers finally get smarter than us, then think again. There will be no soothing HAL 9000-type voice informing us that our human services are now surplus to requirements. In reality, our electronic overlords are already taking control, and they are doing it in a far more subtle way than science fiction would have us believe. Their weapon of choice - the algorithm .... "