Freedom in an Age of Algocracy
John Danaher,
Jan 30, 2020
Today's word is 'algocracy'. As in, rule by the algorithm. This paper examines the concept, revisits the concept of 'freedom' in the light of it, and looks at how algocracy and freedom intertwine, presenting "five mechanisms through which algocratic systems can promote and undermine freedom." They can promote freedon through choice filtration.- "they can help to filter choices and reduce thefeeling of being overwhelmed" - and through cognitive slack - "by offloading some decision-making domainsto algocratic systems." Conversely, algorithms can threaten the rationality of decision-making, manipulate our choices, or "live within the constraints established by the system if you want to avoid interference" - what the author calls ' algocratic micro-domination'.
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