I am not a fan of the overuse of content choices served up “just for you” based on various algorithms. Your news and entertainment choices should not always be made by popularity with the masses or what your friends like. I just don’t get that. I love my family and friends dearly but, good God, they have bad taste in music. As do most people except you…right?
And Facebook ads are now based on content that your friends like. While I see the marketing value in the perceived endorsement, I see less relevant ads coming my way.
I don’t even like suggestions based on my own previous selections on iTunes, Amazon or other services. iTunes’ Genius is my nightmare. And while Pandora and others offer a great service and a tremendous amount of music for free, the basic premise makes me want to argue with the algorithm more than enjoy the tunes. No, just because I listen to a lot of Elvis Costello doesn’t mean I want to listen to Culture Club. Ever. As Johnny Slash would say, “It’s a totally different head. Totally.”
Speaking of great TV characters, television also poses recommendation challenges. There are so many great shows out there that I don’t have time to see. Do you have that colleague or friend who bugs you constantly because you’re not watching his current favorite show? That’s how many apps present themselves to my eyes.
So instead of socially-smart pages recommending more content, I really could use an app to slow down time!
Social Geek Blog 