Technology, and in particular software, plays a seminal role in shaping many facets of our society. French and Thrift discuss the transformative role of software, analyzing how the proliferation of software within society is capable of shaping the spaces in which we live. An example of the effects of technological advances is the large infrastructural changes, which dramatically altered the layout of cities, following the widespread adoption of the automobile. In addition, software can inform our perception of the world, which motivated the writings of Introna and Wood, who sought to increase awareness of the potential biases of algorithmic output.
Clearly, the widespread adoption of software driven technology has, and will continue to shape our society, economy, and the world we live in. In light of these observations, I was reminded of the manner in which software is being used to further economic inequality. Notably, this theme is discussed at great length in the book “Weapons of Math Destruction”.
Algorithms are powerful, consuming massive amounts of data, and due to the fact that computer hardware is capable of making innumerable calculations, algorithms vastly outperform humans in particular tasks (When provided with an ample amount of data). Many big data analysis algorithms involve some form of machine learning, which is basically the automated search for statistical patterns. The type of patterns which the algorithm seeks to find are dependent on the manner in which the system is optimized. In other words, the type of patterns which are being searched for depending on the particular goals of the software application being developed.
Although it is possible to construct algorithms which mitigate bias quite effectively, many corporations or government entities aren’t particularly interested in mitigating bias. Instead, they are interested in cultivating profit and power. In this modern era, information is power, and large companies and governments are trying to extract as much information as they can. (Which is the main reason Google provides so many free services. Everything comes at a cost.)
This is probably the most unfortunate aspect of recent technological advances in this area. Consider a predatory payday lender, which offers money upfront with few constraints, and collects an unethical amount of interest on these short term loans. In many cases, people who take out a loan from a predatory payday lender can struggle for years to repay what started as a single loan. The algorithmic targeting of specific demographics extends the reach of these sinister corporations, as an algorithm is tasked with determining the particular subset of people which are in a vulnerable financial position.
Just as machines made the production of material goods more efficient, software related technology has made many corporations more efficient. Unfortunately, this has had negative economic effects for many people. Although software can be used for great good in this world, technology does not alter the selfish ambitions of the individual, which will continue to shape the use of new technology, barring some unforeseen intervention.
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