Future Human

What Happens When a Computer Runs Your Life

This software engineer let an algorithm pick where he lives, what he does—even what tattoo to get. Is he onto something?

Hawkins’ Random Place to Live program sent him to areas of Slovenia, Japan, India, Taiwan, and Dubai. He’s pictured here in Essen, Germany.

Max Hawkins will be getting his first tattoo in a few days, and the panic’s setting in. Not because it’s a permanent choice — although it…