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Or not. There is really no data in the article besides some very contrived self reported numbers. In Germany, a Berlin start-up called SO1 is doing similar thi

by a_imho 6y ago

Or not. There is really no data in the article besides some very contrived self reported numbers. In Germany, a Berlin start-up called SO1 is doing similar things with its AI system for retailers. It claims that nine times more people buy AI-suggested goods than those offered by traditional promotions, even when the discounts are 30% less. To me it suggests exactly the opposite of the title. No AI secret sauce, just smoke and mirrors.

Ensorceled 6y ago
Can you walk us through how the quote doesn't support the title? It seems to strongly support the title.
- a_imho 6y ago
  Sure. 1. The title is meaningless. Replace the HN title's 'may' with 'may not' and it is exactly the same thing. 2. Especially if you consider the original title is How artificial intelligence may be making you buy things. There is nothing concrete in there. 3. It you read that quote again it is a very carefully worded and cherrypicked piece of data, something that is very common in AI hype articles. Without the actual numbers it is also meaningless. Again, it is only my interpretation that the article is disingenuous, feel free to disagree.
  - Ensorceled 6y ago
    But the quote, IF TRUE, supports the title. You are claiming the quote implies the opposite. I also think the article is overblown even though I agree that AI shapes peoples behaviours in ways that is manipulative, but your original critique is illogical.
    - a_imho 6y ago
      Yes. I claim it is textbook weasel wording. Which to me sends the opposite message. Call it illogical if you will. No, the statement can be true and does not support the title. Say we have X AI offered goods and Y traditional promotions where |X| >> |Y|. Then it is not surprising more people buy AI offered goods. The statement remains true, but not what it wants to imply. Also we do not know other factors about the goods, say Xs are popular while Ys are not, they are not controlled for. Literally apples to oranges.

by a_imho 6y ago

Ensorceled 6y ago

Can you walk us through how the quote doesn't support the title? It seems to strongly support the title.

a_imho 6y ago
Sure. 1. The title is meaningless. Replace the HN title's 'may' with 'may not' and it is exactly the same thing. 2. Especially if you consider the original title is How artificial intelligence may be making you buy things. There is nothing concrete in there. 3. It you read that quote again it is a very carefully worded and cherrypicked piece of data, something that is very common in AI hype articles. Without the actual numbers it is also meaningless. Again, it is only my interpretation that the article is disingenuous, feel free to disagree.
- Ensorceled 6y ago
  But the quote, IF TRUE, supports the title. You are claiming the quote implies the opposite. I also think the article is overblown even though I agree that AI shapes peoples behaviours in ways that is manipulative, but your original critique is illogical.
  - a_imho 6y ago
    Yes. I claim it is textbook weasel wording. Which to me sends the opposite message. Call it illogical if you will. No, the statement can be true and does not support the title. Say we have X AI offered goods and Y traditional promotions where |X| >> |Y|. Then it is not surprising more people buy AI offered goods. The statement remains true, but not what it wants to imply. Also we do not know other factors about the goods, say Xs are popular while Ys are not, they are not controlled for. Literally apples to oranges.