The Birthday Paradox: 9 alternative versions you’ve never heard
1) Equifax Version
In a room of 23 people, there is a 99% chance that at least one person has had their birthdate information stolen in an Equifax data breach.
2) Suit Version
In a room of 23 people wearing their birthday suits, there is a 52% chance they are at Burning Man.
3) Cat GIF Version
In a room of 23 people, there is a 68% chance that at least one person has sent or received a birthday GIF involving cats.
4) Electoral Version
In a room of 23 people that includes Donald Trump, it is one person’s birthday. Nate Silver, upon studying the room, projects a 29% chance that it is Trump’s birthday. The New York Times estimates a 15% chance that it is Trump’s birthday. Huffington Post claims there is a mere 2% chance that it is Trump’s birthday. It turns out to be Trump’s birthday.
5) Retail Version
In a room of 23 people, each person can get 15% off at American Eagle Outfitters on a single purchase during their birthday month (certain restrictions may apply).
6) Climate Version
In a room of 23 people whose first birthday was after 1976, 0% of them has experienced a year when Earth’s annual average surface temperature was cooler than 57°F (13.9°C).
7) Doom Version
If you are in a room of 23 people and everyone shares the same birthday, there is a 75% chance that you have been rounded up by a brutally efficient authoritarian regime and face impending doom.
8) Half-Birthday Version
In a room of 23 people, there is a 50% chance that at least two people have the same half-birthday.
9) Medical Version
