Peak Picks & Reviews

The power in Google data is that people tell the giant search engine things they might not tell anyone else. Introduction  "Everybody Lies: Big Data, New Data, and What the Internet Can Tell Us About Who We Really Are" by Seth Stephens-Davidowitz is a fascinating exploration of how data, particularly from the internet, can reveal the true nature of human behavior. A former data scientist at Google and a New York Times writer, Stephens-Davidowitz delves into the vast amounts of data generated online to uncover truths about society that are often hidden in traditional surveys and self-reported data. The book provides a unique perspective on the power of big data, blending insightful analysis with engaging anecdotes, making it accessible to both data enthusiasts and general readers. Synopsis  In "Everybody Lies," Stephens-Davidowitz argues that people are not always honest in surveys or interviews due to social desirability bias—they want to present themselves in the b...

Big Data processes codify the past. They do not invent the future. Doing that requires moral imagination, and that’s something only humans can provide. Introduction  "Weapons of Math Destruction" by Cathy O'Neil is a provocative exploration of the dark side of Big Data and algorithms. O'Neil, a mathematician and data scientist, exposes how algorithms can perpetuate and amplify social injustices. The book sheds light on the hidden biases and destructive impacts of these mathematical models, calling for greater transparency and accountability. In an era where data-driven decisions increasingly shape our lives, O'Neil's work is a critical intervention, raising awareness about the potential dangers of blindly trusting in the supposed objectivity of numbers. Synopsis  "Weapons of Math Destruction" dives into various sectors where algorithms wield significant influence, including education, finance, insurance, policing, and employment. O'Neil coins the...