Algorithms: Attack of the Predictions

Algorithms are not spoken of very often as the concept can somewhat be hard to grasp.

They literally rule our lives, they are with us throughout the day and part of the majority of things we do. Algorithms which I like most are those which are used to predict, whether it's recommending something or used in a game. It just makes life easier.

Netflix is something of which my brother uses, where you can view your favourite television programmes and films. Netflix is also known for their different algorithms (Kevin Slavin, 2013).

• Cinematch
• Dinosaur Planet
• Gravity
• Pragmatic Chaos

These algorithms were made to get an idea on it's users, using these mathematical equations it's able to get an idea on what it's users may want and creates a recommended list for them. A recommended list which is so successful in fact "about 60 percent of Netflix subscribers select movies based on these recommendations" - (Netflix Consumer Press Kit, 2013).

Spyware had installed itself onto my computer recently without my knowledge. The spyware, known as Price Companion, was for an algorithm which shared a similar function to that of Netflix, and upon rollover looks for a similar product to the item you are currently browsing.

Fig1. Screen capture of the Price Companion Spyware

I had however, found that the algorithm used on the spyware was quite useful as it found me products which were the same but of a different colour. Something of which I was very interested in.

How the spyware had reached downloaded itself on to my computer without my knowledge was most likely from another algorithm caused by a pop-up.

Algorithms are not just used as recommendations and those a like, but also for other tools which give off the impression you're somewhat psychic. Akinator (2013) for example...

Fig2. Screen captured from the Akinator website http://en.akinator.com/

By answering a small sample of his questions, Akinator - the web genie, is able to guess who you are likely to be thinking of. Of course, it is limited to some extent and can guess only those who are well known publically.

"Akinator uses the program Limule published by Elokence.com. The algorithm we use is an original creation" (Akinator, 2013) and the rest is stated as a secret.

Upon doing research, the type of algorithm which fits best is known as a Tree Match Algorithm (Siam, 2013). As suggested in the title, you could imagine this as a sort-of family tree. In the case of Akinator, this would work by using information used from previous sessions, storing it in it's database and acting off what it knows progressing you down the tree following routes upon which answers you clicked.

As a website which has quite a following, the positive correlation of the more users - the higher the guess accuracy, Akinator have proven to have very high success rates.