I hate “recommendations.” Maybe it’s just me, but having a machine tell me what I want is incredibly annoying. I also keeps me from seeing anything new and discovering new interests. Which is causing people to get more and more entrenched in their ways and their opinions.
What creeps me out is the stories about people saying something around a computer and getting targeted ads—sometimes on other systems.
I’m tempted to try it myself with things that don’t apply to me, like “pregnancy test” or “cat medications” or “new cookware” just to see what happens.
I agree with Mrs Olsen on this one. The powers that be almost certainly already know the ages, genders, and preferences of everyone in my family and my pets. They have a history of what I purchase and search for during the month of December. I would actually appreciate targeted ads that would help with the Christmas shopping.
Among the weaknesses in Amazon (and other) models for recommendations is how limited they are. Deep inferences (in a statistical sense) don’t seem to happen. It recommends getting a second of whatever you just ordered in a different color. It would be a really interesting exercise in AI to see if you could sort out what things you actually are buying for yourself vs. others, then start putting out a recommendations list for giving. THAT could be really interesting.
Concretionist over 3 years ago
“Hint” yes. “Beg and whine” isn’t really conducive. Though kids do seem to need to discover that for themselves.
some idiot from R'lyeh Premium Member over 3 years ago
If you’re spending the money, they don’t care who it’s for.
Shirl Summ Premium Member over 3 years ago
What irks me is that they target ads for things I bought. Quit it already.
Ignatz Premium Member over 3 years ago
I hate “recommendations.” Maybe it’s just me, but having a machine tell me what I want is incredibly annoying. I also keeps me from seeing anything new and discovering new interests. Which is causing people to get more and more entrenched in their ways and their opinions.
Michael G. over 3 years ago
Give that child her gold star for the week!
CeceliaWD Premium Member over 3 years ago
I always wonder who buys huge TV’s on black Friday for someone else! Or cars. Who gets a car for Christmas??
raybarb44 over 3 years ago
No, he’s right….
lee85736 over 3 years ago
What creeps me out is the stories about people saying something around a computer and getting targeted ads—sometimes on other systems.
I’m tempted to try it myself with things that don’t apply to me, like “pregnancy test” or “cat medications” or “new cookware” just to see what happens.
bobw2012 over 3 years ago
Wait until you get older. The begging and whining does not work.
Not the Smartest Man On the Planet -- Maybe Close Premium Member over 3 years ago
No, you should note and be appreciative of her generosity. Blaming it on cluelessness is unfair.
jbarnes over 3 years ago
I agree with Mrs Olsen on this one. The powers that be almost certainly already know the ages, genders, and preferences of everyone in my family and my pets. They have a history of what I purchase and search for during the month of December. I would actually appreciate targeted ads that would help with the Christmas shopping.
asrialfeeple over 3 years ago
Adblock. Several browsers have tracking protection.
Thinkingblade over 3 years ago
Among the weaknesses in Amazon (and other) models for recommendations is how limited they are. Deep inferences (in a statistical sense) don’t seem to happen. It recommends getting a second of whatever you just ordered in a different color. It would be a really interesting exercise in AI to see if you could sort out what things you actually are buying for yourself vs. others, then start putting out a recommendations list for giving. THAT could be really interesting.