Outnumbered

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Algorithms are increasingly shaping our society, yet their inner workings often remain a mystery. Our growing dependence on technology and the internet has allowed mathematicians and data researchers to collect extensive data about our movements, shopping habits, and interests, enabling them to predict our behaviors. However, the reliability of this data is questionable. Understanding the capabilities and limitations of mathematics is crucial to grasping its impact on our lives. This exploration delves into the darker aspects of mathematics, examining the equations that analyze and influence us, and addressing critical questions: Who is Cambridge Analytica, and how do they utilize our data? How does Facebook create a detailed profile of our personalities? Are Google algorithms biased? Why do election forecasts often miss the mark? Are crime-finding algorithms making serious errors? What does the future hold as we increasingly allow machines to make decisions for us? Featuring insights from leaders in algorithm research, including Alex Kogan linked to Cambridge Analytica, and incorporating personal mathematical experiments, this work clarifies how mathematics and statistics operate in the real world and highlights what we should be concerned about. Many feel overwhelmed by algorithms—this guide aims to empower readers.