Everyday Data Cultures

The AI revolution can seem powerful and unstoppable, but at ground level, even the most advanced 'smart technologies are not as all-powerful as either the tech companies or their critics would have us believe. This book establishes a new theoretical framework for understanding everyday experiences of data and automation and offers guidance on the ethical responsibilities we share as we learn to live together with data-driven machines.

Format: Hardback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 24 June 2022
Publisher: Polity Press

The AI revolution, characterized by its ability to extract data from every aspect of our lives and subject us to unprecedented surveillance and control, can seem overwhelming and unstoppable. However, it is important to recognize that even the most advanced 'smart technologies' are not as all-powerful as either the tech companies or their critics would have us believe. At the ground level, ordinary people are actively navigating the datafication of society, employing various strategies to challenge and redefine the power dynamics at play.

One notable example is the activism of gig workers, who have organized to advocate for better working conditions and fair compensation in the digital economy. They have used social media platforms and digital tools to raise awareness about their rights and mobilize support for their cause. Another area where ordinary people are exerting their influence is in the realm of wellness tracking, particularly through the use of sex toys and TikTokers' manipulation of the algorithm. These individuals are leveraging data and automation to gain insights into their own sexual health and well-being, challenging traditional notions of privacy and consent.

Furthermore, the book establishes a new theoretical framework for understanding everyday experiences of data and automation. It explores the ways in which data is shaping our relationships, identities, and experiences, and offers guidance on the ethical responsibilities we share as we learn to live together with data-driven machines. Everyday Data Cultures is an essential reading for students and researchers in digital media and communication, as well as for anyone interested in the role of data and AI in society.

In conclusion, the AI revolution may present significant challenges, but it is also an opportunity for ordinary people to assert their agency and shape the future of technology. By leveraging data and automation, individuals can challenge the power dynamics at play, advocate for their rights, and redefine the way we interact with the world around us. As we continue to navigate the datafication of society, it is important to approach these technologies with a critical eye and a commitment to ethical responsibility.

Weight: 384g
Dimension: 144 x 223 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509547555