Collecting and Analyzing Data in the Age of Computation
Summary
In this article, we explore the concept of collecting and analyzing data in the age of computation. We discuss the importance of computation in understanding the universe and how technology will evolve to search the computational universe of possibilities. We also delve into the topic of data collection, discussing how the speaker has collected data about themselves over the years and how this data has helped them stay organized. We explore the use of Wolfram Alpha, a platform that makes all knowledge computable, in analyzing personal data, including social media activity.
Table of Contents
- The Importance of Computation
- Collecting Personal Data
- Analyzing Personal Data with Wolfram Alpha
- Insight into Social Development
The Importance of Computation
Stephen Wolfram, a pioneer in the field of computation, believes that computation is the most important concept of the last century. He has created a groundbreaking book called A New Kind of Science and Wolfram Alpha, a platform that makes all knowledge computable. He believes that technology will evolve to search the computational universe of possibilities.
Collecting Personal Data
The speaker discusses how they have collected data about themselves over the years, including tracking their email activity and keystrokes on their computer. They also mention tracking their daily exercise using a pedometer. They explain that this data helps them stay organized and avoid getting overwhelmed by large projects. The speaker also mentions a tool they created to help others analyze their Facebook activity. They believe that more and more people are collecting data about themselves through various means.
Analyzing Personal Data with Wolfram Alpha
The speaker discusses how people leave a digital footprint on social media platforms like Facebook, and how their data can be analyzed using Wolfram Alpha. They mention that users can upload their own data, such as numerical or image data, and analyze it alongside public knowledge. The speaker shows their own Facebook data, including information about their friends’ genders, age distribution, and geographic location. They also mention that social graphs can tell interesting stories about a person’s network. The goal is to use Wolfram Alpha as a nexus for multiple feeds of data from various sources, including social media and public information.
Insight into Social Development
The speaker suggests that analyzing personal data can provide insight into how a person is developing socially. By analyzing social media activity and social graphs, one can gain a better understanding of their own network and how they interact with others. This can help individuals make better decisions about their social lives and improve their overall well-being.
Conclusion
In conclusion, collecting and analyzing personal data is becoming more common in the age of computation. With platforms like Wolfram Alpha, individuals can analyze their own data alongside public knowledge to gain insight into their own lives. By using this data to better understand ourselves and our networks, we can make better decisions and improve our overall well-being.
