Situating Data: Inquiries in Algorithmic Culture is a critical examination of the datafication and algorithmization of culture in our modern world. Edited by Karin van Es and Nanna Verhoeff, this collection brings together diverse perspectives from cultural inquiry, media studies, game studies, urban studies, screen studies, and gender and postcolonial studies to explore the socio-technical transformations resulting from the increasing use of data and algorithms in society. The book aims to provide conceptual and methodological directions for understanding how data and algorithms are reshaping cultural practices, creating or perpetuating injustices, and influencing knowledge production.
Recommended for: Scholars, researchers, and students in media studies, cultural studies, digital humanities, and related fields interested in critically examining the impact of data and algorithms on society and culture. It is also valuable for professionals and policymakers working in areas affected by datafication and algorithmic decision-making who want to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural implications of these technologies.
You will:
• Gain insights into the challenges posed by the datafication of culture and scholarship
• Explore various perspectives on how data and algorithms are transforming cultural practices
• Examine the changing conditions for living within datafied and algorithmically-driven frameworks
• Learn about conceptual and methodological approaches for studying the cultural impacts of data and algorithms
• Understand how data and algorithms can create or perpetuate injustices in society
• Investigate the ways in which data and algorithms influence knowledge production
• Engage with critical debates about the role of data and algorithms in shaping contemporary culture
Detailed Overview
Situating Data: Inquiries in Algorithmic Culture addresses the pressing need to critically examine the increasing role of data and algorithms in shaping our cultural landscape. As society becomes more reliant on data-driven technologies and algorithmic decision-making, it is crucial to understand the implications of these developments on various aspects of human life and culture.
The book brings together a diverse range of perspectives from different disciplines within cultural inquiry. This interdisciplinary approach allows for a comprehensive exploration of the complex ways in which datafication and algorithmization are transforming our world. By drawing on insights from media studies, game studies, urban studies, screen studies, and gender and postcolonial studies, the collection offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the cultural dimensions of data and algorithms.
One of the key strengths of this book is its focus on developing conceptual and methodological directions for studying the impact of data and algorithms on culture. The contributors propose innovative approaches to exploring where, when, and how these technologies are reshaping cultural practices. This emphasis on methodology provides readers with valuable tools for conducting their own research and analysis in this rapidly evolving field.
The collection also delves into the important issue of how data and algorithms can create or perpetuate injustices in society. By examining the ways in which these technologies interact with existing social structures and power dynamics, the book sheds light on the potential for algorithmic bias and discrimination. This critical perspective is essential for understanding the ethical implications of widespread datafication and algorithmization.
Another significant aspect of the book is its exploration of how data and algorithms are influencing knowledge production. As these technologies become increasingly integrated into research processes and academic practices, it is crucial to consider their impact on how we generate, validate, and disseminate knowledge. The contributors offer valuable insights into the epistemological implications of data-driven approaches to cultural inquiry.
The book is structured around several key themes that provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the cultural dimensions of data and algorithms. These themes include:
- Epistemology: Examining how data and algorithms are changing our ways of knowing and understanding the world.
- Performativity: Exploring how data and algorithms not only describe but also shape and produce cultural phenomena.
- Mediatization: Investigating the role of media technologies in the processes of datafication and algorithmization.
- Materiality: Considering the physical and tangible aspects of data and algorithms, moving beyond purely abstract conceptions.
- Criticality: Developing critical perspectives and approaches to studying and engaging with data and algorithmic culture.
By addressing these themes, Situating Data provides a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of the complex relationship between data, algorithms, and culture.
The book’s publication by Amsterdam University Press, a respected academic publisher, ensures that the content meets high scholarly standards. The inclusion of the work in the MediaMatters series further emphasizes its relevance to contemporary media studies and related fields.
One of the most valuable aspects of this collection is its potential to spark further research and debate on the cultural implications of datafication and algorithmization. By bringing together diverse perspectives and proposing new methodological approaches, the book serves as a foundation for future inquiries into this rapidly evolving field.
In conclusion, Situating Data: Inquiries in Algorithmic Culture is a timely and important contribution to the critical study of data and algorithms in contemporary society. Its interdisciplinary approach, methodological innovations, and critical perspectives make it an essential resource for scholars, students, and professionals seeking to understand and navigate the complex cultural landscape shaped by these technologies.
Citation and Licensing
Karin van Es, Nanna Verhoeff (eds). AUP. (2023). Situating Data. https://www.aup.nl/en/book/9789048555444/situating-data
This ebook is published under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0). The full licence terms are available at https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
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