Which usually just leads to curation systems being key. And they work well, until they are gamed. And they will be gamed.
That's what makes the problem so interesting! Most recommendation systems are terrible, and those that aren't, are good only for the first 1-2 recommendations.
And then there's Google Search, which so thoroughly demolished existing search result recommendation systems (remember Altavista?) that they now own the market and are one of the most valuable companies in history.
When you finally solve a recommendation system problem in a way that actually works, it's a huge freaking deal!
Heh. Me too. I suffer from joint/ligament issues and buy supplements for those.Now, Amazon thinks I am a geriatric and recommends me 'helping hand' sticks and incontinence products :\
Reminds me o this tweet
https://twitter.com/kibblesmith/status/724817086309142529
Amazon is a $250 billion dollar company that reacts to you buying a vacuum by going THIS GUY LOVES BUYING VACUUMS HERE ARE SOME MORE VACUUMS