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Web Log 'Word Bursts' Could Identify New Crazes
Zorgatron writes "New Scientist reports that a researcher from Cornell University has come up with clever method of identifying what's cool by automatically searching weblogs. Sudden increases or "bursts" in the usage of particular words may reflect a new craze, according to Jon Kleinberg. He has demonstrated the technique by searching through state of the union addresses given since 1790." I wonder how long before this can be done real time enough to really make this useful.
How can you even guess that? I mean look at what you're saying to me. "I think that I should be able to predict the future based off what people are saying". Hey buddy, ESP isn't real, and don't you worry.. you aren't the only one who can't predict the future. The point I'm driving at is: It's no shocking relvelation that someone would find that we're using words to describe our world events. Those are the things that actively shape our lives and our views, so why is it some kind of big discovery to find out that "Hey! They were talking about the depression as it was going on! Imagine that!"