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BBC Tae Algorithm and Online Shopping

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6 views

BBC Tae Algorithm and Online Shopping

Uploaded by

jianizeng993
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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BBC LEARNING ENGLISH

Take Away English 随身英语


Algorithms and online shopping
算法对网购体验的影响

词汇: online shopping 网购

For many of us, online shopping has made the process of purchasing goods a far
simpler and more fluid process. No longer do we have to head to the shops to
browse and peruse various objects, wandering round endless aisles, before finally
settling for the first thing we saw. These days, we find the item we want or need
online, click on it, and check out its description and user reviews. If it fits the bill,
we send it to our basket and pay. There seems to be a wealth of options at our
fingertips. But how do we know the options that pop up in front of us really are
the best deals. And how might algorithms help or hinder us?

Algorithms, simply put, are mathematical instructions which tell the computer
how to solve problems. When shopping is involved, what is the problem they
solve? Well, the algorithms instruct the computer which adverts to show and
which products a user is most likely to splash the cash on. By analysing things
we’ve previously bought or looked at, the algorithm can predict what goods we’re
most likely to be enticed by. For some people, the idea of something guessing your
preferences could sound a bit intimidating. But first, let’s look at the positives.

Time is an important thing – something we don’t want to waste too much of. By
telling the computer to show us adverts for things we are interested in, it can save
us a lot of time sifting through things or services that don’t match our criteria.
They can also help us find the best deals.

However, there are some people who have concerns about the impact of
algorithms on our shopping experience. It is possible that algorithms may only
select options from a limited number of brands, or may favour products from
certain companies. There are also concerns that we aren’t always shown the
cheapest or best deal, even though that’s what we’re searching for. Finally, some
algorithms generate ads which tell you there are only a limited number of items
you’re interested in left. They might just be there to manipulate you.

Take Away English ©British Broadcasting Corporation 2022


bbclearningenglish.com/chinese Page 1 of 4
So, the takeaway from this is that algorithms are here to stay, and it’s wise to know
they exist. Whenever you’re shopping, be it online or off, make sure to shop around
for the best deals. The first thing you see might not always be the best for you.

词汇表

fluid 流畅的

head to 前往（某地）

browse 随便看看、浏览

peruse 浏览

wander round 逛来逛去

aisle （商场、超市货架间的）走道

settle for 无奈选择，只好接受

click on 用鼠标点击

description （商品）描述

user review 用户评价

fit the bill 符合要求

basket （网购结账前商品所在的）购物篮

a wealth of options 选择众多

at one’s fingertips 触手可及

pop up 突然出现

algorithm 算法

hinder 阻碍

advert 广告

splash the cash 花大笔钱，挥霍

goods 商品

entice 引诱，吸引

Take Away English ©British Broadcasting Corporation 2022


bbclearningenglish.com/chinese Page 2 of 4
sift through 筛选

brand 品牌

shop around 货比三家

测验与练习

1. 阅读课文并回答问题。

1. In online shopping, where do we send our items before we pay?

2. What are algorithms?

3. How does an algorithm predict what you might buy?

4. How can algorithms help us save time?

5. What sort of algorithm-generated ads may try to manipulate you?

2. 选择意思恰当的单词或词组来完成下列句子。

1. I don’t want to have to ________ endless receipts looking for the right one.

sift through pop up deal basket

2. Are you trying to ________ me with that low price?

aisles entice hinder click on

3. I don’t want to buy anything. I’m just ________.

entice basket browsing pop up

4. You’re not helping at all. Are you trying to ________ me?

entice description sift through hinder

5. I have been walking round these ________ looking for something for hours.

hinder click on description aisles

Take Away English ©British Broadcasting Corporation 2022


bbclearningenglish.com/chinese Page 3 of 4
答案

1. 阅读课文并回答问题。

1. In online shopping, where do we send our items before we pay?

We send items to the basket before paying.

2. What are algorithms?

Mathematical instructions which tell a computer how to solve a problem.

3. How does an algorithm predict what you might buy?

By analysing what you’ve previously looked at.

4. How can algorithms help us save time?

By showing us the best deals.

5. What sort of algorithm-generated ads may try to manipulate you?

The ones that show us there are limited numbers left.

2. 选择意思恰当的单词或词组来完成下列句子。

1. I don’t want to have to sift through endless receipts looking for the right one.

2. Are you trying to entice me with that low price?

3. I don’t want to buy anything. I’m just browsing.

4. You’re not helping at all. Are you trying to hinder me?

5. I have been walking round these aisles looking for something for hours.

Take Away English ©British Broadcasting Corporation 2022


bbclearningenglish.com/chinese Page 4 of 4

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