When Algorithms Go Wrong

I'm a big fan of Prismatic but, sometimes, the algorithm that matches the stories and photos doesn't work as well as it ought:

I’m a big fan of Prismatic, which creates a personalized newsfeed based on what your social media connections are sharing. But, sometimes, the algorithm that matches the stories and photos doesn’t work as well as it ought:

prism-playgirl

I certainly hope not. . .

Indeed, the algorithm seemed particularly obsessed with that image:

does-math-exist-playgirl

 

Apparently, it’s not just women who like good looking, naked men.

FILED UNDER: Science & Technology,
James Joyner
About James Joyner
James Joyner is Professor and Department Head of Security Studies at Marine Corps University's Command and Staff College. He's a former Army officer and Desert Storm veteran. Views expressed here are his own. Follow James on Twitter @DrJJoyner.

Comments

  1. Kari Q says:

    *laughing*

    Well, it probably got those stories some extra women readers. Along with gay men.

  2. Butch Bracknell says:

    Yes, JJ, it’s the “algorithm” that’s obsessed.

  3. James Joyner says:

    @Butch Bracknell: Ha. Not sure why it does this sort of thing. It happens all the time. I thought it mildly amusing when the first one was mismatched. Two, however . . .

  4. Franklin says:

    LOL.

  5. So what happens when the algorithm that apparently has decided you’re gay is the same one determining who may be a terrorist for the NSA?

  6. Tillman says:

    @Stormy Dragon: Well, if it receives that sort of widespread adoption, obviously the free market collapses in a couple of years, we chalk it up to human error, and we continue on as a species.

    Lighten up.

  7. Barry says:

    @Tillman: “Well, if it receives that sort of widespread adoption, obviously the free market collapses in a couple of years, we chalk it up to human error, and we continue on as a species.”

    We chalk it up to the Whim of the Market Gods, bail out those who were both rich and suffered, f*ck over everybody else, and only then do we continue on as a species.