How People Disappear

TL;DR

Target's algorithms predicted a girl's pregnancy before her own father, highlighting the extent of digital tracking. Missing persons can be the victims of unsolved crimes or may have chosen to disappear entirely. Premature obituaries and identity mix-ups also contribute to the phenomenon of missing people.

Transcript

Hey, Vsauce. Michael here. A few years ago in Minneapolis an angry dad stormed into the retail store Target. His daughter, a high schooler, had been receiving coupons in the mail from the store for things like cribs and diapers. Was Target encouraging his daughter, a minor, to go out and get pregnant? well Well, the store apologized but a few days ... Read More

Key Insights

• 👧 Digital tracking and surveillance through algorithms and technology have become pervasive in society, as demonstrated by Target's accurate prediction of a girl's pregnancy.
• 👶 Missing persons can be victims of unsolved crimes, accidents, or may have chosen to disappear and start a new life.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Premature obituaries and identity mix-ups can contribute to the phenomenon of missing people, with some individuals reported dead or missing even when they are alive and well.
• 🧑 The unreported missing, such as those in the country illegally or estranged from their families, are often overlooked in official missing person reports.
• 🎟️ Individuals have the right to go missing under their own volition; however, statistics suggest that people would notice and miss their absence.
• 💁 The vast amount of information and jokes in the world highlights the importance of sharing knowledge and experiences with others.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Target accurately predict a girl's pregnancy before her own father?

Target's internal algorithms analyzed the girl's purchasing behavior and flagged certain items such as vitamin supplements and scent-free soaps as evidence of pregnancy. The store then sent her coupons accordingly.

Q: What are the possible reasons for someone to go missing?

Missing persons can be victims of unsolved crimes, accidents, or they may have chosen to escape their old life and start anew somewhere else. Sometimes people may disappear due to personal reasons such as debt or obligations.

Q: How long does it take for someone to be declared dead in absentia?

In most jurisdictions, if no one has heard from an individual for about five to seven years, they can be declared dead in absentia. French astronomer Guillaume Le Gentil experienced this when he returned 11 years after leaving for an observation.

Q: How often do hospitals accidentally switch babies at birth?

While modern hospital policies make it unlikely, there are instances where babies have been accidentally switched at birth. It is often discovered through DNA tests conducted for child support disputes.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Target's internal algorithms accurately predicted a girl's pregnancy before her father, showcasing the extent of digital tracking and surveillance.

• Missing people can be the victims of unsolved crimes, accidents, or may have chosen to start a new life elsewhere.

• Premature obituaries and identity mix-ups contribute to the phenomenon of missing people, with some individuals reported dead or missing even when they are alive and well.