Algorithmic Ethics
Part 5 of re-reading McLuhan
Marshall McLuhan's belief that "the medium is the message" underscores the profound ways in which the tools and technologies we use shape our perceptions, behaviors, and society. Algorithms, as dominant mediums in the digital age, carry their own messages, influencing not just what we see, but how we think, decide, and understand the world. Here's a dive into algorithmic ethics inspired by McLuhan's insights:
Inherent Biases
Just as McLuhan suggested that every medium has biases that shape its content, algorithms have biases originating from their design, the data they are trained on, and the objectives they're meant to optimize.
Focus for Design: Prioritize fairness and inclusivity. Develop algorithms with diverse data sets, and continuously assess and refine them to minimize inherent biases.
Feedback Loops
McLuhan would recognize that algorithms, especially in platforms like social media, create feedback loops. For instance, when users are shown content they agree with, they engage more, leading algorithms to show more of the same, reinforcing existing beliefs.
Focus for Design: Design for diversity of thought. Algorithms should be crafted to introduce users to a variety of perspectives, breaking echo chambers.
Transparency and Interpretability
McLuhan emphasized understanding the effects of media. With algorithms, there's a veil of complexity, often termed as the "black box," making their decision-making processes obscure.
Focus for Design: Promote algorithmic transparency. Where full transparency is not feasible due to complexity, strive for interpretability, where users can understand the factors influencing algorithmic decisions.
The Seduction of Quantification
In a world where algorithms turn qualitative experiences into quantifiable metrics (like social interactions into 'likes'), McLuhan would likely discuss the societal consequences of this transformation.
Focus for Design: Recognize and respect the qualitative. Not everything of value can be measured, and designs should account for qualitative experiences that might be overshadowed by quantitative metrics.
Agency and Autonomy
McLuhan was interested in how media affects human agency. Modern algorithms can sometimes diminish human agency by making choices on our behalf or nudging us in specific directions.
Focus for Design: Restore human agency. Offer users the ability to influence or understand the algorithms that impact them, and ensure designs do not manipulate users against their best interests.
Economic and Societal Concentrations
Algorithms, particularly in platforms that dominate digital advertising or e-commerce, can concentrate economic value and influence, potentially marginalizing smaller entities.
Focus for Design: Foster equitable opportunities. Algorithms can be designed to give exposure to a diverse range of voices, creators, and businesses.
Temporal Effects
McLuhan discussed how media affects our perception of time. In the age of algorithms, time is often compressed, with platforms emphasizing real-time interactions, immediate gratifications, and rapid content consumption.
Focus for Design: Respect human rhythms. Design algorithms that respect long-form content, deep engagement, and reflection, allowing for a more balanced and holistic temporal experience.
