It's a scary thought -- Facebook knowing the "real us" better than anyone else.

But according to a recent study by researchers from the University of Cambridge and Stanford University, Facebook is indeed a better judge of our own personality.

Researchers used an algorithm on at least 17,000 Facebook users. These Facebook users also completed a personality test for openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism or OCEAN. 

Like Us on Facebook

The results of the OCEAN personality traits were compared to the respondents' Facebook activity. Researchers were trying to find a relationship between the "likes" and the results of the personality tests.

The results were shocking. Given enough data, the algorithm can predict the correct personality traits better than any human. 

The conclusion is that at least 10 "likes" and the algorithm can beat a co-worker in predicting a person's personality; 150 likes can beat a person's own family and 300 likes can beat a spouse in predicting personality traits.

According to Wired, Michael Kosinski, a computer science professor at Stanford said, "When people take the questionnaire, they present themselves in a slightly more positive way than they really are.  This tendency to self-enhance makes computers slightly more objective."

Aside from that, computers and algorithms can't be influenced by other factors like personal experiences and opinions. Computers don't have a cultural background and certainly have no desire to be socially acceptable. They don't have to be socially acceptable.

That said, computers have their own limitations, too.  It can't understand facial cues like humans can.  But computers aren't biased and are always consistent. 

"Computers don't care if you're a man, woman, old, young, black, or white," Kosinski added.

Researchers said that while computers can really predict outcomes and personality, it's still wise that humans have control over their own digital footprints.

TagsFacebook news, Facebook Latest News, Facebook Personality Test, Facebook Personality, Research, Facebook Research, Facebook Survey, Surveys