Questions About Everybody Lies: Big Data, New Data, and What the Internet Can Tell Us About Who We Really Are

by Seth Stephens-Davidowitz (Goodreads Author)

Reader Q&A

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Answered Questions (4)

I'm on the portion related to Freud's theory and how Seth tries to disprove Freud's theory - "we use our errors - the ways we misspeak or miswrite, to reveal our subconscious desires frequently sexual". Couldn't someone argue that Freud was not referring to typos through keyboards as we know these are common and rather typos with actual handwriting? This is a major difference and Seth would lose strength

Max Lauber You're definitely making a good point. The other part that bugged me was that "Error Bot" that is programmed to switch letters with the same frequency…moreYou're definitely making a good point. The other part that bugged me was that "Error Bot" that is programmed to switch letters with the same frequency as he found in his data. Obviously, the Bot's output would contain the same errors. The much more relevant question (to see whether Freud was right) would be whether switches that can be read sexually occur with a higher or lower frequency than those that are not sexually connoted. Does anyone know whether Seth's Freud research appears only in the book? Or whether this data is available somewhere?(less)

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I'm listening to this book on Audible. There are interesting elements ... how people represent themselves vs what people search. However the examples (so far) are both disturbing (race in America) and/or uninteresting (at least for me). The continuous focus on sexual preferences panders to those seeking titillating items instead of educating on broader topics. It is repetitive. Should I finish listening to it?

Emma No. I found it a bit of a hodge podge of facts with far too much humble bragging about himself thrown in. When I eventually gave up is when he speaks …moreNo. I found it a bit of a hodge podge of facts with far too much humble bragging about himself thrown in. When I eventually gave up is when he speaks admiringly of another smug academic old man making sexist comments about female scientists (like myself). I find it very easy to imagine the sort of man he is and I hate that I supported him by buying his book!
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I want to read the book on a Kindle. Are there many illustrations in the book? If yes, would I be better off purchasing a hard copy of the book or do they seem manageable while reading on a Kindle? Thanks!

Tushar Gargava Yes, there are illustrations in the book to support the text. While reading the book on Kindle I found that the illustrations are easy to go through. …moreYes, there are illustrations in the book to support the text. While reading the book on Kindle I found that the illustrations are easy to go through. I faced no issues anywhere. (less)

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I can not find the bool to read. I clicked on want to read. bu where is the book to read?

Mirkat Seriously? Do you think that's what Goodreads is, a site that GIVES you books, if you mark them to-read? It's not. It's a place to keep track of the b…moreSeriously? Do you think that's what Goodreads is, a site that GIVES you books, if you mark them to-read? It's not. It's a place to keep track of the books you have read or plan to read, to write reviews, and participate in discussions about books. If you want to get the book for free, try your local library.(less)

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