Collaborative filtering is a pretty cool idea in Machine Learning. Even before Data Scientists coined the term, it’s been a part of our lives for generations. We naturally rely on the wisdom of the crowd for everyday decisions because we’re social creatures.

Today everyone talks about being your true self, but think about the last three important decisions you made. Did you base them solely on your own thoughts? I bet not!

Remember those times when you went shopping and wished you had Amazon’s recommendations with you? Like, you’re picking out a dress and have no clue what shoes to pair with it. I’ve been there too many times! Without those Amazon ratings and reviews, I can’t make a purchase anymore.

Ever wonder how Amazon got so good at this? It’s like every Product Manager’s dream come true!

It’s all thanks to Collaborative Filtering. The concept is simple: analyze what other users have bought before and find patterns, like “black dresses go great with red accessories.” Then, use these patterns to suggest stuff to the next shopper in line.

In my book, Collaborative Filtering is just tapping into collective wisdom. It’s a machine learning trick that speeds up decision-making, whether you’re shopping, picking movies, or managing tasks in a factory. These “filter bubbles” help you move forward faster.

But, hey, there are downsides too. Sometimes, I wish Netflix had a “reset” button to forget my viewing history and show me something totally unexpected. Filter bubbles can trap you in a cycle of the same old stuff, especially when it comes to negative or fake news. It’s sneaky persuasion, and that’s one way AI can be a problem.

Product Managers need to be mindful of this when they’re crafting AI products. Data Scientists, Data Analysts, and Engineers have their parts, but you’re the one thinking about the user journey and how AI fits in. It’s nobody else’s job!

By the way, last night, we said goodbye to Lord Ganesh, who stayed with us for ten days over the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Every year when we welcome Lord Ganesh at our home, he guides and inspires me. Last night, his big ears reminded me of Collaborative Filtering and the word “Ganesh” literally translates to “Collective Wisdom”. Big ears symbolize – listen to all the insights, filter out the bad, and you’ll have collective wisdom guiding you. It is the secret to being the leader of your own life.

Collaborative filtering can bring “Collective Wisdom” into the world, making it a better place. Product Managers hold the power to shape these scenarios responsibly, with safeguards and feedback loops. This way, you’ll have a seat at the AI table while staying true to yourself!