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

You need to think in terms of patterns. If a hundred people go to a shopping centre and 66 of them take a certain route, from walking through the front door, to the coffee shop, to the music store, then to the home store, you’ve identified a pattern that 66% of the population of shoppers seem to follow. You can then utilise that pattern to do stuff that might suit your aims, such as put a certain coffee ad up on the doors, or certain music posters or certain home items. Those ads might
resonate with 66% of the people entering the mall.

That’s the principle that algorithms tap into – identifying patterns by analysing a lot of data.