Geographies of Digital Exclusion: Data and Inequality

Digital environments are layered with data and algorithms that shape how we perceive and move through space, but they can amplify inequalities. This book looks at information inequality and who, what, and where gets left out, and offers a roadmap for alternative digital geographies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 20 January 2022
Publisher: Pluto Press

In today's bustling urban landscapes, a complex tapestry of data and algorithms weaves its way, intricately shaping our perception and navigation of the physical world. However, as our digital environments continue to expand, a pressing question arises: are they exacerbating rather than mitigating inequalities? This thought-provoking book delves into the core contours of information inequality, exploring who, what, and where falls victim to these disparities.

Platforms such as Google Maps and Wikipedia, once hailed as gateways to global understanding, bear witness to significant gaps and biases, often stemming from processes of exclusion. Consequently, their digital augmentations tend to be mere refractions, highlighting certain aspects of the world while obscuring others. This does not imply that a more equitable future is unattainable. By meticulously outlining the interconnections between our digital and material realms, the authors offer a roadmap for envisioning alternative digital geographies that could pave the way toward a more inclusive and balanced world.

The authors argue that our digital and material worlds are intricately intertwined, with the former shaping the latter and vice versa. They highlight the ways in which marginalized communities, often excluded from traditional sources of information, are particularly vulnerable to the distortions and biases of digital technologies. Moreover, they emphasize the need for a more inclusive and diverse digital landscape that recognizes and addresses the unique needs and experiences of diverse populations.

To achieve this, the authors propose a range of strategies. They advocate for the development of open-source technologies and platforms that prioritize accessibility, inclusivity, and diversity. They also emphasize the importance of community-driven initiatives that empower marginalized voices and promote the sharing of knowledge and resources. Furthermore, they suggest that policymakers and industry leaders should prioritize the creation of policies that promote digital equity and address the root causes of information inequality.

In conclusion, this book serves as a vital reminder of the profound impact of our digital environments on our lives. It sheds light on the mechanisms that perpetuate information inequality and offers a roadmap for building a more inclusive and equitable future. By recognizing the interdependence of our digital and material worlds, we can strive toward a world where everyone has access to the information and resources they need to thrive.

Weight: 220g
Dimension: 135 x 216 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780745340180