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: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 24 June 2022
Publisher: Polity Press

The AI revolution, characterized by its ability to extract vast amounts of data from every aspect of our lives and subject us to unprecedented surveillance and control, can appear 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 individuals 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-driven technologies to gain insights into their sexual health and well-being, challenging traditional notions of privacy and consent.

Furthermore, this book demonstrates how ordinary people are actively negotiating the datafication of society. It establishes a new theoretical framework for understanding everyday experiences of data and automation, offering valuable 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 formidable challenges, but it is also fostering a sense of empowerment among ordinary individuals who are leveraging data-driven technologies to challenge the status quo and redefine the power dynamics in society. By understanding the complexities and ethical implications of the datafication process, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable digital future.

Weight: 276g
Dimension: 138 x 216 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509547562