Can a Computer Tell the Difference Between Goths and Hipsters?
A group of engineering students at the University of California, San Diego, are working on an algorithm that can look at a picture of a person and tell if they’re into Goth, a hipster, a biker or a surfer. From Gizmag:
The UCSD Jacobs team cite the potential of such an algorithm in improving recommendation services and gearing advertising to the correct group. The researchers further posit that an individual’s social identity can be defined by that particular individual’s association with various social groups. This seems like an obvious but sound insight, yet offers a chilling glimpse into the potential for government agencies to seek out political dissidents and the like, should the tech be used nefariously.