When Algorithms Control the World 150
MTCicero writes "The BBC has an interesting if not apocalyptic take on the spread of algorithms into everyday life. Perhaps the author should have spent a little more time discussing how algorithms in everyday life have improved things like communications, medical care, etc... I guess doom and gloom sells more ads. From the article: 'At last month's TEDGlobal conference, algorithm expert Kevin Slavin delivered one of the tech show's most "sit up and take notice" speeches where he warned that the "maths that computers use to decide stuff" was infiltrating every aspect of our lives. Among the examples he cited were a robo-cleaner that maps out the best way to do housework, and the online trading algorithms that are increasingly controlling Wall Street.'"
Re:Not that far-fetched (Score:2, Insightful)
Every aspect of our lives IS algorithmical, whether you trust it or not.
Re:Greatest algorithms of all time (Score:4, Insightful)
I would like to nominate one additional algorithm to the list. Very simple, but effective (though not foolproof). The Taste Algorithm. It goes like this:
If it tastes bad, spit it out.
If it tastes good, eat more.
It was invented by great grandpappy Eukaryote. And it's served our family well all these many generations.