This Page Is Anonymous (2013)

Post by shapiro92 » Wed, Jun 19, 2019, 10:22 AM UTC

hnarn wrote: post #38

espeed wrote: post #25

Analyze voidnull's use of pronouns and do a sim search over other users' accounts on HN and the Web. "Our most forgettable words, such as pronouns and prepositions, can be the most revealing: their patterns are as distinctive as fingerprints." [1] - Prof James W. Pennebaker [1] https://www.secretlifeofpronouns.com

I haven't read the book, but does it talk about whether it's possible to "fake" the way you write? I'd also be interested in whether it explored the way people write in web communities, I have a strong feeling people change their tone and phrasing based on the audience (especially when upvoted and downvotes are involved).

Post by dredmorbius » Wed, Jun 19, 2019, 10:49 AM UTC

mygo wrote: post #30

> I did not lick the envelope So what if he did? Even if we had his DNA, we wouldn’t know whose DNA it is. It would be as useful as finding a key on the ground without knowing which house it unlocks.

Post by espeed » Wed, Jun 19, 2019, 1:57 PM UTC

Post by [deleted] » Wed, Jun 19, 2019, 3:43 PM UTC

colinhb wrote: post #39

mygo wrote: post #33

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Yep the only way to identify someone with DNA from an unknown source is to already have a copy of their DNA on record, that you know is theirs. Or maybe a close relative’s DNA on record. It would depend on the country whether or not their DNA is likely on record. Most Americans do not have their DNA on record. However it’s interesting that Kenya recently required collection of DNA from all citizens. But yep those who…

In the US, enough people have submitted DNA to 23andMe, Ancestry, GED match, etc., that a random DNA sample can be identified by so-called “genetic genealogy” methods. Basically because your generic relatives have submitted their DNA to these services, a small pool of potential candidates for your DNA can be identified, and traditional investigation methods can identify you in that pool. As the density of people who…

Post by Retra » Wed, Jun 19, 2019, 5:16 PM UTC

mygo wrote: post #33

macintux wrote: post #32

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Seems safe to assume we could identify nearly anyone these days using DNA thanks to the services that collect such information for genealogical or medical purposes.

Yep the only way to identify someone with DNA from an unknown source is to already have a copy of their DNA on record, that you know is theirs. Or maybe a close relative’s DNA on record. It would depend on the country whether or not their DNA is likely on record. Most Americans do not have their DNA on record. However it’s interesting that Kenya recently required collection of DNA from all citizens. But yep those who…