Re:twitter/the-algorithm
by TimTheTinker on Monday April 25, 2022 @05:41PM
(#31161045)
This shouldn't be downvoted. Any black box with inputs and outputs is a function over discrete data, otherwise known as an algorithm.
> a function over discrete data, otherwise known as an algorithm
'A function over discrete data' is a far broader concept / far larger set than 'an algorithm'.
I think it is unfortunate that "the algorithm" has become the popularized phrase for the thing, though. Yes, clearly an algorithm which evaluates the entire state of the universe and uses that as an input is still an algorithm. But it is also clearly not what people are looking for.
I'm pretty sure people expect to be able look at The Algorithm and find the part that is trying to destroy <whatever their hobby-horse is>. I bet whatever we see will lean more toward "big dumb pile of A/B tests."
Re:twitter/the-algorithm
by bastardoperator on Monday April 25, 2022 @05:46PM
(#31161114)
I don't disagree, I might even argue that twitter is comprised of many algorithms. We can argue all software is algorithms, or we can just call it software.
Re:twitter/the-algorithm
by andrewmcwatters on Monday April 25, 2022 @05:51PM
(#31161174)
That just moves the terminology around and doesn't answer people's questions. Everyone would simply start asking, "what software or lines of code directly affect my timeline?"
The "timeline algorithm" is a perfectly normal way to describe what people ask about.
Yes it's an algorithm, but as software engineers we shouldn't pander to people who actually think there is a small flow chart dictating what happens in your search results. It's idiotic or dishonest.
I mean I'm sure Google has somewhere a UML chart of the entire process of ordering results. Your insistence otherwise is disingenuous at best, either that or you've never actually worked on any sort of major software, at least with any level of reliability/dependability.
> I mean I'm sure Google has somewhere a UML chart of the entire process of ordering results.
No, there isn't.
Sure they have a chart but it's not "if !idpol -> make woke instead".
The level of discourse I'm trying to convey like what we saw in the Zuck/Pichai hearings in Congress. No understanding of the domain at all.
You or I know how software actually works, your average politician or man on the street does not.
That's an algorithm.