How Random is xkcd? - Comfortably Numbered

How Random is xkcd? - Comfortably Numbered

12/13/2024

notes

it is random. provably random. but like with all things statistics, the math doesn't match the feelings.

link

https://hardmath123.github.io/xkcd-random.html

summary

The author investigates the randomness of the xkcd "random" comic button, using statistical tests to determine its quality. The article explores concepts of randomness, including the use of random number generators in cryptography and the counterintuitive nature of randomness. It also discusses the birthday paradox and its implications for the perceived bias in the xkcd random comic selection.

tags

xkcd ꞏ randomness ꞏ statistics ꞏ random number generator ꞏ birthday paradox ꞏ mathematics ꞏ cryptography ꞏ probability