Discussion for article #232709
better algorithms would help us coexist with our technology more seamlessly
As would search requests based only on our most secret desires rather than just random searches for random data to plug holes in trivial conversations or to spice up web chats.
In other words it’s the post WWII consumer marketing bait and switch that always wants just a few more keys to the kingdom to insure complete bliss, utter slavery or whiter whites, I forget which…
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A brillaint and fascinating article. I am going to have to read it again to digest. Love the history of math and the fact that an Iraqi mathmatician is in the mix.
Thanks for a thoughtful, well researched, and fascinating glimpse into the practical applications of math in this high tech world.
I always wonder if Steve Jobs was alive what he would think now.
Algorithms replace instinct and intuition. Before you feel it or intuit it, it is being displayed for you because of basic predictions. Algorithms keep you on your toes if nothing else, ye shall not forget.
An algorithm doesn’t have the ability to feel or sense feedback on its own though. So while it does as instructed it doesn’t realize things like disgust or disdain. I haven’t heard anyone yet say that they like having their shopping habits or browsing tracked and instantly offered back to them. I sure don’t. In fact it greatly offends me and has the opposite effect. Amazon can blow goats as far as I’m concerned and Facebook sucks for more reasons than just this.
An interactive tracker that can have certain capabilities either turned on or off according to an individuals wants and wishes would actually serve a potential customer. Tracking and attacking, the current model, is invasive and should be illegal.
One of the problems with algorithms is crap keeps showing up after you have moved on.
Algorithms are especially bad at Christmas time or birthdays and the kids use your computer that you have done online shopping on.
Yes, and I really don’t like having attempts made to replace my instinct and intuition. I’m into my seventh decade of life, and while my instinct and intuition have sometimes been off mark, I’d like to try navigating the Web with less “help.”
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Yes, and therein lies the problem. We don’t get the choice nor were we ever asked in the first place.
This massive assumption, that we want to be led towards purchases or whatever, is extremely rude if nothing else
The math is interesting, but just to be practical, why not just change your Facebook news feed to show the newest first? It’s a couple mouse clicks on the home page.