Data Mining for Bars? Or on Airplanes?

This Yahoo news intrigued me, mostly because "data mining" has always been very alluring to me.

This said, I doubt I'd fit the ideal profile as a user: I do not choose where to go based on who's there; I am too independent to let people know where I plan on going/already am (mind your business, would ya?!), and I do not frequent bars regularly. I am much more likely to chat and network with my social kins at a swimming pool, at other watery venues, or at a business event.

The article, however, also mentions the idea of applying the same logic (planning where to be based on who's going to be there) to air travel. Now, that's compelling! I love flying and also enjoy the serendipity of not knowing whom you'll sit next to. But if it's going to be a 12-hr flight by a screaming baby, or by someone who has not showered much lately, please do let me plan my trip based on my most probable neighbours!

"Social mining" presents curious opportunities; it is still about processing and selectively using data; its applications may just seem more personal or intrusive, but they could have positive potential toward making social interactions more comfortable when we are in close quarters.