this post was submitted on 15 Sep 2024

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Microblog Memes

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Picture this (feddit.org)

submitted 3 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Picture this:

You type on Google "laptop won't turn on"
Google now knows you have a broken laptop and can estimate how desperate you are to fix it.
Because it knows how desperate you are, it can increase shop prices proportionally.

You are going to pay the maximum they get you to pay.

That's algorithmic pricing.

The more companies know about you, the more they can predict and sell how desperate you are to other stores out there.

An internet-connected car knows much more about you than you realize. A smart TV also knows what you like. Your Alexa knows if there is a problem in the home.

Privacy is much more than just sensitive data.

It's about not giving leverage away.

Because algorithms will use it against you.

Be safe out there.

Nostr.

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[–] [email protected] 5 points 3 months ago (1 children)

I can see how this would be a concern in theory but currently google can't even find me the products I'm looking for even when I type in exact parameters so we're a long way off from it predicting not only what you need but how desperate you are for it.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago

Worked with both marketing and tech dudes many years ago, and two things I learned were (1) marketing guys overestimate new/fad tools so badly and (2) they (in conjunction with management) can be mercylessly demanding over TI guys.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Is there evidence previous search-based algorithmic pricing is being used?

[–] [email protected] 8 points 3 months ago

If it exists, you wouldn't see it, because it would be proprietary. It probably does exist, but it's useless.

[–] [email protected] 13 points 3 months ago (1 children)

They also serve you the ads with the most JavaScript bs and crypto mining so you think your laptop is obsolete and you need a new one.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Without ublock Firefox makes my PC take off

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 months ago

This cat with the PC running around unfettered. Scaring all the cats and dogs.

[–] [email protected] 14 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Memes are supposed to make me laugh.

This just makes me sad, and existential.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 months ago (2 children)

Don't be sad.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 months ago

Because sad backwards is das
Und das nich gut

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago

Just be happy, problems solved. No need to thank me.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago (1 children)

So how does this affect me when price comparison sites are a thing?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago

Your internet privacy affects a lot more than pricing. Someone can somehow find your information online, whether they buy it from an information broker or from some of the many giant hacks. Then they can use that information to track you down and hurt you. Also, most people aren't looking at price comparison sites.

[–] [email protected] 15 points 3 months ago (2 children)

The economics term for this is price discrimination. Nothing to do with racial discrimination, it's discriminating based on willingness to pay.

But usually it's not done by raising the prices above normal it's done by setting the regular prices higher and then offering a discount to people who aren't willing to pay less. People tend not to get upset when it's done that way. Student discount at the movie theater is a form of price discrimination. People accept it because they're being nice to people that don't have a lot of money. Seniors discount? Also being nice, I guess. But the reality is they know everyone else is willing to pay more so they charge more.

And this has already been happening online. About a decade ago I noticed what when I searched for flights from an airline then went to facebook, I'd get an ad from that airline offering a discount. Not as sophisticated as attempting to determining the exact price I was willing to pay, but it's along the same lines.

But the problems with these schemes is that people quickly figure out the system. I just made it a habit to search for a flight, then go onto facebook to look for the discount even when I'd be willing to pay even if there was no discount. But why not trick the system into thinking I didn't really care about booking the flight and get that discount?

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 months ago

then offering a discount to people who aren’t willing to pay less.

Do you mean "aren't willing to pay the full price"?

[–] [email protected] 7 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

people figure out the system

Only tech savvy people figure out how to go around this system. Roughly 80% ~ 90% of consumers will not realize what's happening or won't bother figuring out a solution.

Hell, even if only 10% of the consumers paid a slightly higher price the company still earns more by buying your data.

Statistics are on the side of the company. Buying consumer data is always the best strategy for them. The only thing that can limit abuse of privacy and consumer rights is government regulation.

[–] [email protected] 30 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (3 children)

Google "I have way too many laptops and they all work great."

Google aggressively reduces prices on laptops to tempt you to buy more of them anyway.

You buy 3 more to go with your ever increasing pile

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 months ago

Is that why I see all those "I have too many ThinkPads, I just bought three more." Posts, or is that just what part of the Internet I'm hanging out in?

[–] [email protected] 5 points 3 months ago

Who would potential reselling business idea

"I have a compulsion to buy laptops but only when they're less than $100"

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 months ago (2 children)

Stonks

[–] [email protected] 5 points 3 months ago

I came here to get the fuck away from reddit yo...

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (1 children)

I invest all my money into laptops. When China invades taiwan and TSMC factories self destructs, I will resell them for a modest profit in the demand-heavy market. Literally can't go tits up.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago

I think one of the largest Intel fabs is in Israel for god's sake. We really do excels as a species don't we.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 months ago (1 children)

I don't believe they can ascertain how desperate you are to fix it.

[–] [email protected] 11 points 3 months ago (1 children)

"How to get an extension on phd thesis"

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

And it’s not just things you search on Google. Anything you type into any website that has an interest in your data or has a deal with a company that’s interested in your data. Anything you post publicly on the internet. Anything you say near any Google or Facebook software that is microphone enabled. Anything you type into messenging software run by those companies (especially if there’s no pretense of encryption, like Discord or Facebook Messenger).

And anything they collect from friends and family that might be related to you.

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