Lesson 468 of 1234
How AI Picks What to Recommend on Amazon
Amazon recommendations are AI watching everything you do — searches, clicks, purchases. Knowing this is useful.
Lesson map
What this lesson covers
Learning path
The main moves in order
- 1The big idea
- 2How AI Picks What's On Your Smart TV's Home Screen
- 3The big idea
- 4How AI Picks the Stuff You See in Shopping Apps
Concept cluster
Terms to connect while reading
Section 1
The big idea
Amazon recommendations are AI in action. Every search, every click, every purchase teaches AI more about you. Then it suggests stuff. Knowing this helps you understand (and not over-spend).
Some examples
- You bought a soccer ball: AI suggests cleats, water bottles, sports gear.
- You looked at a video game: AI suggests similar games and accessories.
- You searched for school supplies: AI suggests stuff for school.
- You clicked but did not buy: AI keeps showing it to remind you.
Try it!
Look at your or family's Amazon recommendations. Notice what AI thinks you want. Decide if it is right or off.
Key terms in this lesson
Section 2
How AI Picks What's On Your Smart TV's Home Screen
Section 3
The big idea
When you turn on a smart TV, the home screen often shows shows it thinks you'd like. That's AI watching what your family watches. The more you use it, the more it figures out your taste.
Some examples
- Watched cartoons last week? It puts more cartoons on top.
- Family watched a movie? It suggests similar movies.
- Some TVs have voice helpers that listen for your show requests.
- If multiple people use one TV, the AI can get a little confused!
Try it!
Look at the home screen of a TV at home. What 3 shows are featured? Now ask: did anyone in your family watch something similar lately?
Section 4
How AI Picks the Stuff You See in Shopping Apps
Section 5
The big idea
Shopping apps watch what you tap, like, and buy. AI uses that to show you more stuff you might want. Sometimes that's helpful — sometimes it can make you want stuff you don't really need!
Some examples
- Look at sneakers and the app shows more sneakers.
- Buy a video game and AI suggests game gear.
- AI can hide items adults don't want kids to see.
- Smart shoppers ask: do I really need this, or is the AI just selling?
Try it!
Look at a shopping app's home page (with grown-up okay). What 3 things does it suggest? Why do you think the AI picked those? Be a smart shopper!
Section 6
Why Your YouTube and Netflix Always Know What You'll Like
Section 7
The big idea
YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify use AI to suggest videos, shows, and songs you'll like. They watch what you watch (kind of creepy!) and find patterns to guess what's next for you.
Some examples
- YouTube's 'recommended for you' row.
- Netflix saying 'because you watched X.'
- Spotify's daily mix made just for you.
- TikTok's For You page.
Try it!
With a grown-up, check your YouTube or Spotify suggestions. Spot one you'd skip. AI guesses, but you decide.
Key terms in this lesson
End-of-lesson quiz
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