(no subject)

[violachic]

Someone on my friends list today posted a link to the Gender Genie. It is supposed to be able to analyze what you write, and tell if the author is male or female. It is apparently based on some kind of algorithm. I tried it quite a few times, and even though I would put in what I thought was a balanced cross-section of male and females (yes, I experimented by cutting and pasting my friends LJ entries :P), it almost always told me the author was female. Now, you manly men, don't get offended here. I noticed something, and I came up with a theory.

I noticed: After it computes your gender, it asks if it was right or wrong. It says that it is supposed to be right 80% of the time. However, the little graph that comes up says that the website has only been right 45%, and has been wrong 55%. This tells me that perhaps the algorithm doesn't work the way it was intended.

Theory: That what the algorithm is measuring has nothing to do with how males or females talk/write, but if they use more of a passive/active voice, or even how articulate they are. It was kind of interesting to read how the algorithm is supposed to work, but I think their basis is way off.

I'd be interested to see this algorithm either substantiated, or totally blown out of the water. Any takers?

Comments

[bethypooh95.livejournal.com]

interesting---- please call me when you get a chance

[violachic.livejournal.com]

But you are not at home, my dear, I do not know your number :)