Generative AI & LLMs
Recommendation system
Recommender system
Software that suggests items by estimating what may be relevant or appealing to someone.
Example
A streaming service suggests a film based on viewing patterns.
Why people use it
It helps people choose from more options than they could easily inspect themselves.
What you'll hear
“The app keeps recommending shows like that one.”
What this means for you
Consider whose goals the recommendations serve.
Can you control it?
Sometimes
Sometimes. Your choices depend on the tool and your access. The settings available to an everyday user may differ from those available to the people running it.
Common questions
- Does a recommendation mean the item is objectively best?
- No. It reflects the system's goals, available data and assumptions.
- Why do I keep seeing similar suggestions?
- The service may use your past activity to favor familiar choices, giving unfamiliar options less attention.
- Can recommendations be sponsored?
- Yes. Some services include paid placements. Look for labels explaining why an item appears.