Xiaowei R. Wang and Zara Rahman, both influential speakers, discuss the critical need for interdisciplinary research in understanding technology's societal impacts. Ranjit Singh delves into algorithmic systems and their implications on communities. Michelle Miller addresses the labor force and tech companies, while Alondra Nelson and John Palfrey emphasize the importance of equitable tech governance. Felicia Wong highlights the role of political power in shaping future technology's impact. Together, they advocate for collaborative movement-building to ensure a just technological future.
Data & Society was founded to challenge prevailing narratives about technology's societal impact, emphasizing the need for empirical research and inclusive dialogues.
The podcast illustrates how emerging technologies can both solve and exacerbate societal issues, stressing the importance of stakeholder perspectives in design choices.
Activism's intersection with technology highlights the necessity for cross-movement collaborations to ensure equitable solutions that address the diverse needs of affected communities.
Deep dives
Celebrating a Decade of Impact
The celebration of Data and Society's 10th anniversary highlights its role as a key institution in examining how emerging technologies influence the lives of individuals and communities. It has evolved into a well-respected source of knowledge that not only addresses the implications of algorithmic systems but also actively shapes policies around their governance. The speaker reflects on the personal journey of engagement that began with an email and has grown into significant collaborations that embody the interdisciplinary approach central to the organization's mission. This narrative underscores the importance of shared values such as equity, justice, and public interest in guiding the work undertaken by Data and Society.
Founding Principles and Vision
Dana Boyd, the founder, discusses the motivations behind the establishment of Data and Society, rooted in her desire to challenge the dominant narratives surrounding tech's societal impact. She envisioned a space where empirical research could inform critical conversations about the future shaped by technology, especially during an era marked by unqualified optimism about digital advancements. The intent was to examine the complexities and contradictions of contemporary socio-technical realities, ensuring that marginalized voices are included in critical discussions about technology. This vision for a more inclusive dialogue was transformative, marking a departure from the simplistic view that technology is an inherent force for good.
Navigating Complex Issues in Technology
The discussion explores specific challenges in understanding the relationship between technology and society, particularly the consequences of assumptions made in design choices. For instance, the introduction of police-worn body cameras as a solution to accountability raised critical questions about surveillance and its implications for marginalized communities. A workshop involving diverse stakeholders demonstrated that differing perspectives could illuminate the complexities behind technological solutions to deep-rooted societal problems. This case serves as a reminder that while technologies promise solutions, they often generate new issues or fail to address the core problems effectively.
The Importance of Inclusive Activism
The discourse also focuses on how activism is becoming increasingly intertwined with technology, especially within feminist movements. This evolution reflects the recognition that technology has significant implications for social justice and that activists must engage with these issues to reclaim technological advancements for their communities. The speaker emphasizes the need for cross-movement collaborations that foster trust and shared understanding, bridging divides across different sectors. This interconnectedness is essential for ensuring that resources and solutions are equitable and responsive to the diverse needs of communities affected by technology.
Preparing for the Future Together
The speakers collectively stress the importance of solidarity and collective action to navigate the uncertain future shaped by technology and policy. They call for critical engagement in governance roles, encouraging individuals to step into spaces where decisions about technology's societal impact are made. Recognizing that the current political landscape presents unique challenges, the emphasis is on strengthening networks and alliances to advocate for democratic controls over technology. As the conversation concludes, there is a clarion call for ongoing collaboration to create a vision that reflects shared values of justice, equity, and collective empowerment, ensuring that all voices are amplified in shaping a better future.
When Data & Society was founded ten years ago, it was rooted in the insight that data-centric technologies have broad and often unseen impacts on society — and that to better understand those impacts and realize technologies that reflect our highest values, we need interdisciplinary, empirical research.
Today, the urgency of that vision is palpable: How societies choose to design and govern technology will determine our collective future. On September 26, we celebrated our first decade with our incredible network of alumni, friends, and supporters. Along with reflections from Data & Society Executive Director Janet Haven, Board President Charlton McIlwain, and Founder danah boyd, the program included a panel discussion and lightning talks.
00:00 Opening 00:10 Welcome | Charlton McIlwain, Board President 08:23 Creating a Field | danah boyd, Founder 19:37 Lightning Talk: Xiaowei R. Wang 27:02 Lightning Talk: Ranjit Singh 33:09 Lightning Talk: Zara Rahman 38:42 Lightning Talk: Michelle Miller 46:00 Acting on What We Know | Alondra Nelson, John Palfrey, Felicia Wong (moderator: Suresh Venkatasubramanian) 1:13:47 Creating Our Future | Janet Haven, Executive Director 1:25:42 Closing | Charlton McIlwain, Board President
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