[dogruck]

You're right, but I think you're overly simplifying the problem by ignoring the alternatives.

At one end of the spectrum, insurance companies, or dating apps, have essentially no data. So every person is charged equally, which I think is unfair (some might disagree).

To improve, companies collect data via a questionnaire. The obvious problem is people lie -- often unintentionally.

The next step is to use genuine data. And, there are certainly issues with that.

It's just not clear to me that the issues outweigh the problems with the alternative scenarios.

[bsaul]

"the road to hell is paved with good intentions"

As someone who worked for an online marketing company and designed its tracking system, i can tell you that’s the most frightening part of it. Everything is logic,and is a logical evolution or improvement of the previous state.

Every intrusion of foreign company into your private life will be done for your own good, or at least for the benefit of the society. You don’t even need an evil genius at the head of some powerful tech company for 1984 to happen, because it’s simply the logic of the whole system we’re living it, that’s meant to go this road.

[dogruck]

I hear you. I'm concerned about all of the privacy that we are giving away. That's one reason I'm not on Facebook, and decline most "deals" at retailers.

My point is that it's important to consider all of the trade offs.

The Algos have pros and cons.

[noir_lord]

> The next step is to use genuine data.

Or the way the world is going the next step is a startup that sells an arm that tricks smart watches into thinking they are on a human arm that is exercising regularly...

[dogruck]

Sure, or when your doctor asks, "how much alcohol do you drink each week?" you answer, "not much -- maybe a glass of wine on Friday and Saturday."