6 ms·

How is it creepy? They are most likely finding underutilised employees. They are not trying to weed out the non-performers from the looks of it. From the WSJ ar

How is it creepy? They are most likely finding underutilised employees. They are not trying to weed out the non-performers from the looks of it. From the WSJ article "The move is one of a series Google has made to prevent its most promising engineers, designers and sales executives from leaving" So they are more likely looking at engagement levels and utilization of employees. From the way I look at it, it is actually awesome. If my company can understand that my motivation levels are dropping because I feel underutilised or caught up in a web of bureaucracy and take an action on it without me complaining it is practically awesome. Also, most importantly, if google calculates that an employee is going to quite, there are only two outcomes 1. If the employee is good, they will offer incentives to stay back [without telling him/her ] 2. If they don't care about the employee, they will do nothing and wait for him/her to quit. I don't see how the above two scenarios are bad for an employee. Both work out to the advantage of both the parties. If there ever was a win-win this is it.

jonknee 17y ago
I think it can be seen as creepy because it's non-social. Using an algorithm instead of people to interpret emotions is what I think is being seen as creepy here. An analogy here is a nerd getting shot down on a date and deciding to write an algorithm to help lower the chances of this event reoccurring. The more human response is to get a new hair cut and gain some confidence.
- rapind 17y ago
  Agreed. I wouldn't call it evil, but it's definitely creepy. Has a big brother feel to it. My gut says creepy. Maybe I could be logic'd out of that feeling, but I would imagine quite a few other people have the same reaction.
- blhack 17y ago
  Algorithms don't have those pesky "emotions" or "gut feelings" to get over. Bosses do.
  - jonknee 17y ago
    Obviously, but despite whatever Google thinks humans are not replaceable by algorithms. In the end it's a human problem and a human solution is a better fit. Ever try and get support from Google? You get an automated reply a couple days later half related to your question. Rinse and repeat. Extraordinarily frustrating. Someone probably got a promotion for creating that system because it requires little staff, but it's alien and cold to users.
- darkxanthos 17y ago
  May that's the more "human" response but probably less optimal. starts writing dating algorithm
TrevorJ 17y ago
It is creepy becasue of how it lends to abuses. "So, why was I let go?" "The data we have collected on you indicates that you where about to quit. We have had time to find a suitable replacement. You are no longer needed. Thank you for your service."

jonknee 17y ago

I think it can be seen as creepy because it's non-social. Using an algorithm instead of people to interpret emotions is what I think is being seen as creepy here. An analogy here is a nerd getting shot down on a date and deciding to write an algorithm to help lower the chances of this event reoccurring. The more human response is to get a new hair cut and gain some confidence.

rapind 17y ago
Agreed. I wouldn't call it evil, but it's definitely creepy. Has a big brother feel to it. My gut says creepy. Maybe I could be logic'd out of that feeling, but I would imagine quite a few other people have the same reaction.
blhack 17y ago
Algorithms don't have those pesky "emotions" or "gut feelings" to get over. Bosses do.
- jonknee 17y ago
  Obviously, but despite whatever Google thinks humans are not replaceable by algorithms. In the end it's a human problem and a human solution is a better fit. Ever try and get support from Google? You get an automated reply a couple days later half related to your question. Rinse and repeat. Extraordinarily frustrating. Someone probably got a promotion for creating that system because it requires little staff, but it's alien and cold to users.
darkxanthos 17y ago
May that's the more "human" response but probably less optimal. starts writing dating algorithm

TrevorJ 17y ago

It is creepy becasue of how it lends to abuses. "So, why was I let go?" "The data we have collected on you indicates that you where about to quit. We have had time to find a suitable replacement. You are no longer needed. Thank you for your service."