Machine Habitus: Toward a Sociology of Algorithms

With the rise of machine learning and AI technologies, society is being shaped by billions of automated systems that make algorithmic distinctions between the visible and the invisible, the relevant and the irrelevant, and the likely and the unlikely. This book develops an original sociology of algorithms as social agents, actively participating in social life, and shows how society shapes algorithmic code and how this culture in the code guides the practical behavior of the code in the culture, shaping society in turn.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 17 December 2021
Publisher: Polity Press

The traditional notion of society being solely composed of and governed by humans is being challenged by the rapid advancements in machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. In reality, a vast array of automated systems play a silent yet significant role in shaping the social fabric of our world. These systems, through their algorithmic decision-making processes, implicitly establish distinctions between what is visible, relevant, and likely, and what is invisible, irrelevant, and unlikely. This distinction-making extends beyond traditional platforms and permeates various aspects of social life.

In his groundbreaking book, "Machine Habitus: The Social Construction of Algorithms as Social Agents," Massimo Airoldi takes us on a fascinating journey to explore the sociological implications of algorithms. Drawing upon the insights of Pierre Bourdieu, Airoldi develops a novel sociology of algorithms as active social agents. Through a rich array of examples, he demonstrates how society actively shapes algorithmic code, and how this culture within the code influences the practical behavior of the code in society, ultimately shaping society itself.

One of the key concepts introduced in "Machine Habitus" is the concept of the "machine habitus." This refers to the generative mechanism that operates through countless feedback loops linking humans with artificial social agents, particularly in the context of digital infrastructures and pre-digital social structures. The machine habitus shapes our interactions with these agents, influencing our perceptions, behaviors, and social relationships.

The book is of immense interest to students and scholars across a wide range of disciplines, including sociology, media and cultural studies, science and technology studies, and information technology. It provides valuable insights into the growing role of algorithms and AI in our social and cultural life, challenging us to reevaluate our understanding of human-machine interactions and their implications for society.

As we navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, it is essential to critically examine the societal implications of these advancements. "Machine Habitus" serves as a timely and thought-provoking contribution to this ongoing debate, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding the complex relationship between algorithms, society, and human behavior.

Weight: 380g
Dimension: 221 x 149 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509543274