Here is another book worth to read, because it correlates in some ways with our mission: “You May Also Like: Taste in an Age of Endless Choice” by Tom Vanderbilt, 2016

Overview

Tom Vanderbilt, best known for his book Traffic, explores the psychology and sociology of taste in this engaging work. The book examines why we like what we like, how our preferences are formed, and how they influence our identity. It blends insights from psychology, neuroscience, and marketing to explain the mechanisms behind our choices in food, music, art, and even digital content like Netflix recommendations1.

Key Themes

The Complexity of Taste Vanderbilt argues that taste is not just a matter of personal preference but a dynamic interplay of biology, culture, and social signaling. He highlights how difficult it is—even for experts—to define what makes something “good” or enjoyable.

Influence of Technology

The book delves into how algorithms from platforms like Netflix and Spotify shape our choices, creating a feedback loop between personal preference and machine prediction. This raises questions about autonomy and authenticity in our likes and dislikes.

Cultural and Social Dimensions

Vanderbilt explores how taste functions as a social marker, influencing everything from fashion to art appreciation. He also touches on phenomena like why we cling to the music of our youth or why novelty appeals in some contexts but not others2.

Strengths

Well-Researched and Accessible: The book synthesizes academic research into an approachable narrative, making complex ideas understandable without oversimplifying them.
Wide Scope: Covers diverse domains—food, music, art, and digital media—showing how taste permeates all aspects of life.
Engaging Style: Vanderbilt’s curiosity-driven approach makes the book feel like an intellectual journey rather than a dry analysis.

Criticisms

Occasional Lack of Depth: Some reviewers note that while the book is broad, it sometimes sacrifices depth for breadth.
Repetitiveness: A few chapters revisit similar ideas, which can feel redundant for readers looking for tightly focused arguments.