, Columnist
Facebook Doesn't Know If You’re Psychotic
Big data is still pretty bad at figuring out your secrets. That's a relief, and a disappointment.
Better get a second opinion.
Photographer: Gabby Jones/Bloomberg
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The news that researchers could use Facebook feeds to “predict” whether you suffer from any of 21 medical conditions came across as impressive, but also unnerving. The conditions included some potentially embarrassing ones, such as sexually transmitted diseases, several that might put people at risk of discrimination, such as depression and psychosis, and pregnancy, which some people might feel should be their news to tell.
But don’t worry. Big Brother doesn’t really know about that infection.