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

I also think alot of people lie to themselves and an algorithm doesn’t take that into account.

We think we are not effected by pier pressure or commercials, we tend to underestimate the amount of alcohol, chocolate or fat we consume and we all know that we all make up our own mind about politics no matter what the news says….. Right….

An algorithm looks at the raw data and makes predictions off of that.

An add pops up, and X mount of minutes later a product has a slight rise in sales.