Data for the Win: With Guests Michael Kist & Cade Massey

TL;DR

People tend to mistrust algorithms, even when they perform better than humans, due to a variety of factors such as a desire for control and a lack of forgiveness for algorithmic mistakes.

Transcript

so I'm in self driving mode so it doesn't like the you okay yeah oh yeah there's something unsettling to a lot of people about self-driving cars the idea of putting your life in the hands of a machine that has to make split-second decisions at 55 miles an hour can be disconcerting but one of the major promises made in the move towards autonomous ca... Read More

Key Insights

• 🚙 Algorithms can greatly improve decision-making in various fields, including sports and self-driving cars.
• 🎮 People tend to mistrust algorithms, even when they perform better than humans, due to a desire for control and a reluctance to accept algorithmic mistakes.
• 👯 Providing people with a sense of control or influence over algorithms can help alleviate their mistrust and increase adoption.
• ❓ Algorithm aversion can be mitigated by focusing on the overall performance of algorithms rather than their mistakes.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why do people often mistrust algorithms, even when they perform better than humans?

People tend to have a desire for control and are less forgiving of algorithmic mistakes compared to human errors. They also have reservations about the algorithm's ability to learn and find exceptions.

Q: How did the Philadelphia Eagles use algorithms in their decision-making?

The Eagles used algorithms to evaluate players and make on-field decisions. The data provided by the algorithms helped them make better-informed decisions and improved their chances of success.

Q: What are some reasons people resist algorithms?

People resist algorithms due to a lack of control, a desire to find exceptions, and a belief that algorithms are not as capable of learning as humans. They are generally more hesitant to trust algorithms compared to human judgment.

Q: How can the mistrust of algorithms be overcome?

Giving people even a small amount of control or influence over algorithms can increase their willingness to adopt algorithmic approaches. Allowing people to tweak or adjust the algorithm's recommendations can help build trust and adoption.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Philadelphia Eagles used algorithms to make key decisions in player evaluation and on-field decision-making, leading to their victory in the 2017 Super Bowl.

• Research shows that people tend to resist algorithms, even when they outperform human judgment, due to a lack of control and a reluctance to give up on finding exceptions.

• Giving people some level of control or influence over the algorithms, even if it is minimal, can increase their willingness to adopt algorithmic approaches.