Algorithm will determine if people are lying to you in emails. Honest

[Buster's Uncle]

Algorithm will determine if people are lying to you in emails. Honest
Digital Trends  July 04, 2016



Could an algorithmic lie detector one day be as ubiquitous a part of our email systems as spell check? Possibly so, suggest researchers Stephan Ludwig, Tom van Laer, Ko de Ruyter, and Mike Friedman in a new study into automated deception detection by computers. The four researchers have created an algorithm designed to analyze emails



Could an algorithmic lie detector one day be as ubiquitous a part of our email systems as spell check?

Possibly so, suggest researchers Stephan Ludwig, Tom van Laer, Ko de Ruyter, and Mike Friedman in a new study into automated deception detection by computers. The four researchers have created an algorithm designed to analyze emails and predict whether or not they contain lies — with more accuracy than a human carrying out the same task.

“This is more complicated than your typical text-mining exercise because you’re not just looking for particular keywords,” Ludwig, senior lecturer at the Department of Marketing and Business Strategy at Westminster Business School, told Digital Trends. “Instead you’re looking for how people write when they lie.”

The algorithm does not have access to outside facts. Instead it was created based on rules emerging from academic work into the kinds of language people use when they lie. For example, the algorithm works with the assumption that people who lie often stay away from pronouns, such as “I,” “you,” “she,” or “he,” and second-person pronouns such as “you” and “your.” Instead they use more adjectives, including words like “brilliant,” and achievement words like “earn” and “win.” In addition, liars tend to over-explain their rationalizations: using more “cognitive process” words than people who tell the truth.

“Making this an automated feature, kind of like a Google Translate or a spell check, would be the ultimate use of this technology,” Ludwig continues. “You could imagine it being a plug-in for your email system that alerts you to the probability that an email is lying to you. You could also apply it to political statements, dating websites, insurance claims, or online reviews.”

But he notes that there is still lots of work to be done. In this study, the algorithm only managed to establish the emails which contained lies around 70 percent of the time — compared to 54 percent if a human was responsible for the predictions.

“This is a step in the right direction, but there’s still a significant chance this algorithm will misclassify information,” Ludwig says. “As such it should only be used as an indication. There’s also no knowing how people would react if they knew the companies they were dealing with were having their emails monitored by a lie detection algorithm. It offers up some interesting, and possibly concerning, twists on the idea that you’re innocent until proven guilty. Algorithms like this could lead to a very suspicious atmosphere, which isn’t healthy.”

It’s certainly makes for interesting research, though.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/algorithm-determine-people-lying-emails-190403842.html?nhp=1


I don't believe it...

[Dale]

[Buster's Uncle]

They seem to have a credibility problem...

[E_T]

It is July 4, not April 1st...

[Rusty Edge]

Perhaps they can start using it on political speech transcripts.

[Buster's Uncle]

A Pig-Clinton debate would melt a cray...

[Elok]

Well, if it's restricted to e-mail, you could up the percentage just by programming it to look out for words like "Nigeria," "prince," and "bank account."

[Rusty Edge]

Well, if it's restricted to e-mail, you could up the percentage just by programming it to look out for words like "Nigeria," "prince," and "bank account."

Throw in the word "Forward" and I think you've got a winner!

[Elok]

By astonishing coincidence, this'n got snagged in my spam filter just today:

Attention: Consignment Owner,


Transaction Confirmation#4284025



This is a mail from Joy U.A. Ogwu the Nigerian Ambassador to the United Nations and also the executive director of UN Debt Reconciliation department, I have come to make so many things right from the way the corrupt government officials has made it to be. We have been releasing foreign/domestic unclaimed funds without causing heart break to beneficiaries since. Is my pleasure to inform you that your delivery personnel has arrived with your cash proof boxes value $6.2 million dollars being your inheritance /compensation payment. He is currently in Huntsville International Airport Alabama United States on transit. Quickly call him now on this line +1 (256)-414-4064 or on Email: [email protected]


Give him directives, his name is George B. Uba. He has been waiting to hear from you to enable him get to your home address without missing his way. This consignment box has a serial lock combination and a manual key, the manual key is with George B. Uba but the serial lock combination code is not given to him for security reason so you don't need t worry about someone opening your box. The code will be text to your cell phone by me as soon as you confirm that the box has been delivered to you. Most importantly you are advised to send your full data to him, which include your Full Name, Current Residential Address, Direct Cell Number, and A copy of any identity card to verify that you are the right receiver to avoid mistakes. Also reconfirm your full current address and valid phone number to the diplomat via his above email address once you receive this email to enable him deliver your proof boxes to your house without any further delay.


Note: Be very aware that the delivery agent is not aware that the boxes contain cash in it and you are not allowed to disclose that to him. The document presented to him show that the box is a family treasure. Also include your nearest airport

Regards,

Joy Uche Angela Ogwu,
Nigerian Ambassador to the United Nations.
2nd Ave, New York, NY 10017, United States
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joy_Ogwu

[/url]

I like the thoughtful link at the end for people who say "who the devil is Joy Ogwu?"  Really establishes her bona fides.

[Rusty Edge]

I see this thread when I'm scanning the title page and it comes out-
Al Gore ism in my mind.

[Buster's Uncle]

An Al Gore rhythm has more awkward and painfully obvious affectation - also, pauses in the wrong places...

[Elok]

He invented Al Gore Rhythms at roughly the same time he invented the internet.

[Buster's Uncle]

He did it while also choreographing the Macarena...

[Rusty Edge]

You guys made me chuckle. Thanks!

[Buster's Uncle]

Mr. Gore is a born punchline -with all respect to him, and I do have some- this is all low-hanging fruit...