The first lecture of this year’s series of Famnit excursions into the mathematical universe 2023/24, titled “What do social networks really know about you?” was delivered by Dr. Marko Tkalčič from UP FAMNIT. The lecture took place both in-person and via the Zoom video conferencing link.
In 2012, a teenager in the USA received coupons from the Target retail chain for purchasing maternity clothes and baby furniture by mail. The shipment was opened by her father, who angrily went to the store and demanded an apology, as he believed such coupons encouraged early pregnancy. It turned out that the retail chain knew about the girl’s pregnancy due to her altered shopping habits before she herself disclosed it to her parents. Although not true, could such things happen to you too? Social networks and online stores collect user data: purchases, likes, etc. What personal characteristics of users can they uncover? Personality, sexual orientation, drug use? The lecture addressed facts and myths, empowering attendees to make informed decisions on how to use online platforms.
Slides: https://www.famnit.upr.si/sl/resources/files/novice/202309tkalcicizletpublic.pdf
Sourse news: https://www.famnit.upr.si/sl/novice/vabljeni-k-ogledu-le-2
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei58IFwc1gc