AnthroPod 75. Anthropology and Algorithms
Aug 6, 2024
In this engaging discussion, Professor Nick Seaver, an expert in anthropology and technology, joins Veronica Barassi, who delves into algorithms from an anthropological viewpoint, and Alex Moltzau, who bridges research and practical implications. They explore how anthropological insights can illuminate the complexities of algorithms, the societal impacts of datafication on family life, and the ethical challenges surrounding social justice. Together, they advocate for an integrative approach to understanding technology's influence on culture and human experience.
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Algorithms: A Definition
- Algorithms are computational operations turning inputs into outputs.
- They are often complex machine learning systems used in recommendations.
Anthropology's Role in Algorithm Studies
- Algorithms are socio-technical systems involving human decisions.
- Analyze why algorithms work the way they do, considering cultural factors.
Facebook's Alphabetical Newsfeed
- Facebook's newsfeed could be alphabetized, which is algorithmic but unlikely.
- The difference lies in human decisions, not algorithms vs. non-algorithms.