After the interest in our previous blog post about the differences between Mac and Windows users, we thought we would reach into Thoof’s algorithm once again, this time examining the differences between GMail and Yahoo Mail users. Here are some of the more interesting observations:

• Yahoo Mail users were 15% more likely to click on a story about cellphones relative to GMail users (a stat that may change rapidly if rumors of a Google cell phone prove to be accurate), and 5% more interested in stories about phones in general
• Yahoo users were also the more frugal of the two, expressing a 4% bias in favor of stories about personal finance, and a 6% bias in favor of stories about savings
• Lastly, Yahoo users seem to be more interested in fitness, expressing a 9% bias over GMail users

And what interests GMail users?

• GMail users seem far more interested in politics, expressing a 6% bias in favor of stories about the Bush Administration, 4% in favor of stories about Hillary Clinton, a 7% bias in favor of stories about Afghanistan, and a 5% bias in favor of stories about Iran
• GMail users also seem more academic and technical, expressing a 4% bias in favor of stories about Physics, Mathematics, and Computing, and a 5% bias in favor of stories about Programming
• Lastly, GMail users seem to be more likely to be fans of Flickr, expressing a 4% bias in favor of stories about that website

Do you have any explanations for these biases?

We’ve all seen Apple’s “Mac versus PC” ads, but have you ever wondered how much truth there is to these stereotypes?

At the heart of Thoof is a sophisticated technology which looks for patterns in user behavior.  This is how we are able to tailor the stories you see right from the very first moment you visit thoof.com.

So, we decided to ask Thoof about the real differences are between Mac and Windows users, the results are rather surprising to say the least!

• It seems that Windows users are 20% more interested in stories about religion than Mac users. Could it be that the occasional brush with a “blue screen of death” gives the Windows user a greater sense of their own mortality?

• Windows users are 39% more likely to read a story about personal savings than their Mac using friends

• Mac users are 6% more interested in intellectual property law, and 5% more interested in fitness

• Mac users are 20% more interested in stories about Biology

• Windows users are 11% less likely to be Pittsburgh Steelers fans

• Mac users are 6% less likely to read a story involving New York

So what are your theories as to the reasons behind these patterns in user behavior? We look forward to reading your comments.