Join Paula Bialski, a digital sociology expert, and Gabriella Coleman, a Harvard anthropology professor, as they dive into the multifaceted world of hacker cultures. They unveil how hacker identities—like black hat and white hat—have evolved and impacted cybersecurity. There's a fascinating discussion on the emotional backlash against poorly written code and the ethics within the hacking community. Plus, hear about the intriguing concept of Critical Mold Studies and its unexpected ties to tech! A compelling exploration of innovation, ethics, and community dynamics.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Origins of Hacker Studies
Gabriella Coleman became interested in hacking after an illness kept her home with internet access.
Her advisors initially discouraged her from pursuing this unconventional research area.
insights INSIGHT
Early Hacker Studies Landscape
Early hacker studies drew on journalistic accounts and media studies but lacked empirical work, especially ethnography.
Traditional anthropology emphasized physical place and region, contrasting with the digital spaces of hacking.
insights INSIGHT
Diversification of Hacker Culture
The hacker world has diversified beyond its traditional liberal/anarchist roots, including darker, anti-democratic elements.
These newer, powerful groups, like the dark enlightenment, present access challenges for researchers.
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Hacker, Hoaxer, Whistleblower, Spy
The Many Faces of Anonymous
Gabriela Coleman
Gabriella Coleman's "Hacker, Hoaxer, Whistleblower, Spy" provides an in-depth ethnographic study of Anonymous, a decentralized international activist group known for its online protests and hacktivism. The book explores the diverse motivations and identities of Anonymous members, highlighting the group's complex internal dynamics and its impact on global politics and culture. Coleman's research reveals the group's use of humor, irony, and disruptive tactics to challenge authority and advocate for social change. The book examines the ethical and legal implications of Anonymous's actions, while also exploring the group's evolving strategies and goals. It offers a critical analysis of the role of technology in contemporary activism and the challenges of studying decentralized online movements.
Coding Freedom
The Ethics and Aesthetics of Hacking
Gabriela Coleman
Gabriella Coleman's "Coding Freedom" delves into the ethical and aesthetic dimensions of hacker culture, exploring the values, practices, and beliefs that shape the world of free and open-source software. The book examines the intricate relationship between technology, freedom, and autonomy, highlighting the role of ethics and aesthetics in shaping hacker identities and actions. Coleman's research reveals the complex governance systems within open-source projects and the importance of humor and craftiness in hacker culture. The book challenges traditional notions of intellectual property and explores the broader implications of hacker culture for society. It offers a nuanced understanding of the motivations and values that drive hackers to create and share technology.
Middletech: Software Work and the Culture of Good Enough
Middletech: Software Work and the Culture of Good Enough
Software Work and the Culture of Good Enough
Paula Bialski
Paula Bialski's "Middletech" explores the world of software work and the concept of "good enough." The book examines how software developers balance the pursuit of perfection with the realities of deadlines, budgets, and user expectations. Bialski's research reveals the cultural norms and practices that shape software development, highlighting the tension between technical ideals and practical constraints. The book challenges the notion that software must always be perfect, arguing that "good enough" can be a valuable and even necessary approach in many contexts. It offers a nuanced understanding of the trade-offs involved in software development and the social and cultural factors that influence the process.
Peoples & Things host, Lee Vinsel, and guest host, Paula Bialski, Associate Professor for Digital Sociology at the University of St. Gallen in St. Gallen, Switzerland, interview Gabriella Coleman, Professor of Anthropology at Harvard University, about her long career studying hacker cultures. Topics include how hacking has changed over time, the different colored “hats” used to describe different hacker ethoses, the aesthetic dimensions of hacking including how poorly written code leads to moral outrage, and how Biella may soon found a new field of Critical Mold Studies. Professor Coleman’s books include Coding Freedom: The Ethics and Aesthetics of Hacking and Hacker, Hoaxer, Whistleblower, Spy: The Many Faces of Anonymous. Professor Bialski, a former P&T guest, is the author of Middletech: Software Work and the Culture of Good Enough.
Peoples & Things 
