bias

You’ve likely noticed that since the rise of machine learning and big data, nearly all your online activities are tracked and compiled into extensive datasets. This has paved the way for countless recommendation apps tailored to your consumption habits.

Now, you receive suggestions for new movies based on your viewing history, books aligned with your past reads, clothing that matches your purchasing style, food choices reflecting your yearly orders, and travel destinations echoed in your recent trips. Ads are similarly targeted, reflecting your previous interests.

What’s intriguing is that these recommendations heavily rely on your past behaviors, ensuring that the suggestions are consistent with what you’re already comfortable with. If you have a preference for a particular genre or style, the algorithm will likely reinforce that familiarity with its suggestions.

However, one must question: How will my imagination flourish if I’m not exposed to diverse experiences? How can my perspective widen if I’m shielded from challenges to my confirmation bias?