How can algorithms predict human behavior, sometimes even better than we know ourselves? From shopping habits to potential health risks, what are the underlying principles that allow machines to seemingly understand the intricacies of the human condition?

Question

We often hear about algorithms that can forecast our preferences, suggest products, or even detect health issues before they become apparent. How can a machine, which doesn’t have consciousness or feelings, accurately predict something so complex as human behavior? I’m fascinated by this intersection of technology and psychology and would love to hear from anyone who can shed light on the mysterious ways these algorithms seem to ‘know’ us. What’s happening behind the scenes that makes this possible?

In: 10

Answer 1

correlation correlation correlation.

If someone buys X, they are more likely to buy Y, expand this to a whole line of products related to another line of products and you can find that people who buy protein powder are a lot more likely to buy gym clothes etc. etc. There’s no reason or thought, it’s just all in enormously massive amounts of data about human behaviour all calculated through to optimize advertising.