Revisiting recommender systems: an investigative survey

This paper provides a thorough review of recommendation methods from academic literature, offering a taxonomy that classifies recommender systems (RSs) into categories like collaborative filtering, content-based systems, and hybrid systems. It examines the effectiveness and challenges of these systems, such as filter bubbles, the "cold start" issue, and the reliance on collaborative filtering and content-based approaches. We trace the development of RSs, emphasizing the role of machine learning and deep learning models in overcoming these challenges and delivering more accurate, personalized, and context-aware recommendations. We also highlight the increasing significance of ethical considerations, including fairness, transparency, and trust, in the design of RSs. The paper presents a structured literature review, discussing various aspects of RSs, such as collaborative filtering, personalized recommender systems, and strategies to improve system robustness. It also points out the limitations of the existing approaches and suggests promising research directions for the future. In summary, this paper offers a comprehensive analysis of RSs, focusing on their evolution, challenges, and potential future improvements, particularly in enhancing accuracy, diversity, and ethical practices in recommendations.