stated vs. revealed preferences

Personalized ads are one of those things where stated preference and observed preference are almost total opposites. No one thinks that they do, but people really enjoy being catered to.

users may say they want a chronological feed, but their revealed preference is the opposite.

i think about this often. it shows a history of product decision based on stated preferences. and you need to typically build for revealed preferences. https://t.co/k6mftX5WoM

most people don’t know what they want.

they’ll say they want honesty but flinch when they get it.

they’ll beg for transparency then run back to the algorithm.

they’ll demand control but reward the illusion of it.

this isn’t contradiction. it’s humanity.

we are messy, layered, full of split desires & unspoken fears.

and every real product wrestles with th... See more