José Marichal
Professor in the Department of Political Science at California Lutheran University and author of You Must Become an Algorithmic Problem (Policy Press, 2025), researching the political effects of internet technologies and algorithms.
Best podcasts with José Marichal
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Dec 22, 2025 • 56min
Predictable, with José Marichal
José Marichal, a professor of political science and author, dives into the transformative influence of algorithms on public discourse and personal identity. He explores how the 2016 election unveiled the deep impact of recommendation systems, making us more predictable as we optimize for algorithmic engagement. Their discussion touches on the dangers of algorithmic clustering, the shift from explanation to prediction, and the relationship between AI and democratic processes. José emphasizes the need for a socio-technical contract, urging us to reclaim our agency in a data-driven world.
Oct 21, 2025 • 32min
José Marichal, "You Must Become an Algorithmic Problem: Renegotiating the Socio-Technical Contract" (Policy Press, 2025)
José Marichal, a Professor of Political Science at California Lutheran University, delves into the complex relationship between democracy and algorithms in his thought-provoking discussion. He argues that we are trapped in a socio-technical contract, trading autonomy for algorithmic predictability. Marichal warns against the dangers of engagement-driven algorithms, which stifle public discourse and amplify extreme content. He advocates for reshaping our interaction with technology to encourage creativity and serendipity, urging us to embrace our role as 'algorithmic problems' for a healthier democracy.
