How Internet Algorithms are like Starbucks…
Today, after watching Eli Pariser’s TEDtalk in class, I opened up Facebook and realized I paid much more attention to the sidebar ads. I wasn’t surprised by any of the advertisements that came up. Here is a breakdown:
The Help now on DVD! = The Help is listed as one of my favorite books
Things to do in Atlanta = I’m from Atlanta
Karaoke GLEE edition = um, I’m obsessed with Glee (which is pretty evident on my profile
ModCloth.com = a website I found out about on Facebook and then used a lot
While personalized advertisements definitely have their advantages, I thought Pariser made a good point about the danger of making the internet too “edited” to the individual. When it comes to advertisements, I think being able to individualize ads is a very smart business move. However, if I search “2012 Elections” I want to find a variety of articles that can help me form non-bias opinions. Pariser is right: sometimes we need that extra push-to see or read something that we don’t agree with, or that makes us uncomfortable.
The conclusion I came to is this: the internet is like Starbucks.
It used to be that you had only a few choices when ordering coffee: regular, decaf, black, room for cream, etc.
Nowadays drink orders have so many options that you practically have to learn a different language: non-fat, no-whip, iced, mocha, with sugar-free caramel, and two splenda. Grande.
Now think about your facebook ads: my facebook algorithm looks like this: Atlanta female who likes Disney, Musical Theatre, and Frozen Yogurt. Watches SNL, Modern Family and Glee with a shot of Desperate Housewives, room for Hannah Montana.
What’s your internet algorithm?
