How the internet can read your mind

How the internet can read your mind

15:39 30 April 2012

MacGregor Campbell, contributor

Think you can hide your personal data by choosing not to reveal information online?
Even if you're a social media prude, advanced software algorithms can glean a surprising amount of detail about your life. For example, even though most people on Facebook choose not to reveal their physical addresses, it's possible to infer the general location of the majority of users based on the few who do. Similar software can figure out who is likely to be your friend and what kind of personality you might have.
In this animation, you can see how these mind-reading algorithms are able to extract information about you. For more on the topic, read our full-length feature article, "Mindreader: Facebook of revelations".
If you enjoyed this post, check out our previous animated explainers about, for example, the top three mysteries of human evolution or how to build a time machine.