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

Because human behaviour is not as complex as you think. Perhaps the reasoning behind the decisions are that complex but the outcome is remarkably predicable. Simply put you are not that unique

And when there’s hundreds of people making almost the same choices as you it’s not hard to guess what your next choice will be by just looking at what the people similar to you have already chosen.