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For a long time I have been predicting the return of phrenology

Technology
United States
Started February 10, 2026

Yup: Human capital—encompassing cognitive skills and personality traits—is central for labor-market success, yet personality remains difficult to measure at scale. Leveraging advances in AI and comprehensive LinkedIn microdata, we extract the Big 5 personality traits from facial images of 96,000 MBA graduates, and demonstrate that this novel “Photo Big 5” predicts school rank, job matching, […] The post For a long time I have been predicting the return of phrenology appeared first on Marginal...

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CLAIM Posted by will • Feb 10, 2026
Phrenology's revival, even in a modern context, may distract from the importance of holistic evaluations of candidates beyond physical appearance.
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CLAIM Posted by will • Feb 10, 2026
Using AI to analyze facial features for personality traits can revolutionize hiring processes by improving job matching.
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CLAIM Posted by will • Feb 10, 2026
Leveraging AI to understand personality traits can lead to better educational outcomes by aligning students with suitable programs.
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CLAIM Posted by will • Feb 10, 2026
Relying on facial analysis for personality traits risks reinforcing stereotypes and biases, undermining fairness in hiring.
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CLAIM Posted by will • Feb 10, 2026
The emergence of the 'Photo Big 5' highlights the need for more nuanced methods of understanding human capital in the workplace.
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