The Paradox of Development. In 2008, Google created a system to predict flu outbreaks in advance. Initially, the tool accurately forecasted when and where the flu might occur. However, in 2013, a new feature was added that suggested related search terms. As a result, searchers began inputting their queries less carefully, which led to a decline in the system’s predictive performance. Although improvements have been made since then, this example illustrates how enhancements in one area can cause failures in another. Therefore, it seems like we gain by losing, and often lose by gaining. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”
British anthropologist Robin Dunbar was certain that primate cerebral neocortical capacity determines the number of social relations. He definitively established the limit of human relationships at 100 to 230 people. The average value of 150 people is known as Dunbar's number. In the world of chimpanzees, 30 is the absolute maximum. However, fewer than 12 people in the world can sympathize with me. My best friend is now reduced to 3 or 4. The relationship quantity decreases to the square root value and increases to the square value. Three or four of my best friends will eventually connect with people from all over the world. This is the same principle as when one or two virus-infected people infect the world. Focus on your best friend. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”