Data versus Democracy: How Big Data Algorithms Shape Opinions and Alter the Cour

Description: Data versus Democracy by Kris Shaffer Human attention is in the highest demand it has ever been. The drastic increase in available information has compelled individuals to find a way to sift through the media that is literally at their fingertips. Content recommendation systems have emerged as the technological solution to this social and informational problem, but theyve also created a bigger crisis in confirming our biases by showing us only, and exactly, what it predicts we want to see. Data versus Democracy investigates and explores how, in the era of social media, human cognition, algorithmic recommendation systems, and human psychology are all working together to reinforce (and exaggerate) human bias. The dangerous confluence of these factors is driving media narratives, influencing opinions, and possibly changing election results. In this book, algorithmic recommendations, clickbait, familiarity bias, propaganda, and other pivotal concepts are analyzed and then expanded upon via fascinating and timely case studies: the 2016 US presidential election, Ferguson, GamerGate, international political movements, and more events that come to affect every one of us. What are the implications of how we engage with information in the digital age? Data versus Democracy explores this topic and an abundance of related crucial questions. We live in a culture vastly different from any that has come before. In a society where engagement is currency, we are the product. Understanding the value of our attention, how organizations operate based on this concept, and how engagement can be used against our best interests is essential in responsibly equipping ourselves against the perils of disinformation.Who This Book Is ForIndividuals who are curious about how social media algorithms work and how they can be manipulated to influence culture. Social media managers, data scientists, data administrators, and educators will find this book particularly relevant to their work. FORMAT Paperback LANGUAGE English CONDITION Brand New Back Cover Human attention is in the highest demand it has ever been. The drastic increase in available information has compelled individuals to find a way to sift through the media that is literally at their fingertips. Content recommendation systems have emerged as the technological solution to this social and informational problem, but theyve also created a bigger crisis in confirming our biases by showing us only, and exactly, what it predicts we want to see. Data versus Democracy investigates and explores how, in the era of social media, human cognition, algorithmic recommendation systems, and human psychology are all working together to reinforce (and exaggerate) human bias. The dangerous confluence of these factors is driving media narratives, influencing opinions, and possibly changing election results. In this book, algorithmic recommendations, clickbait, familiarity bias, propaganda, and other pivotal concepts are analyzed and then expanded upon via fascinating and timely case studies: the 2016 US presidential election, Ferguson, GamerGate, international political movements, and more events that come to affect every one of us. What are the implications of how we engage with information in the digital age? Data versus Democracy explores this topic and an abundance of related crucial questions. We live in a culture vastly different from any that has come before. In a society where engagement is currency, we are the product. Understanding the value of our attention, how organizations operate based on this concept, and how engagement can be used against our best interests is essential in responsibly equipping ourselves against the perils of disinformation. Author Biography Kris Shaffer, Ph.D., is a data scientist and Senior Computational Disinformation Analyst for New Knowledge. He co-authored "The Tactics and Tropes of the Internet Research Agency," a report prepared for the United States Senate Select Committee on Intelligence about Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election on social media. He has consulted for multiple US government agencies, non-profits, and universities on matters related to digital disinformation, data ethics, and digital pedagogy.In a former (professional) life, Kris was an academic and digital humanist. He has taught courses in music theory and cognition, computer science, and digital studies at Yale University, University of Colorado–Boulder, University of Mary Washington, and Charleston Southern University. He holds a PhD from Yale University. Table of Contents Part I: The Propaganda Problem.- Chapter 1: Pay Attention: How Information Abundance Affects the Way We Consume Media.- Chapter 2: Cog in the System: How the Limits of Our Brains Leave Us Vulnerable to Cognitive Hacking.- Chapter 3: Swimming Upstream: How Content Recommendation Engines Impact Information and Manipulate Our Attention.- Part II: Case Studies.- Chapter 4: Domestic Disturbance: Ferguson, GamerGate, and the Rise of the American Alt-Right.- Chapter 5: Democracy Hacked, Part 1: Russian Interference and the New Cold War.- Chapter 6: Democracy Hacked, Part 2: Rumors, Bots, and Genocide in the Global South.- Chapter 7: Conclusion: Where Do We Go from Here?.- Review "A very well written book that has an engaging style of writing, doesnt become dry or bogged down in the details, but still showcases the depth of knowledge that Shaffer has on the subject. … Its accessible and it provides a satisfying read to those looking for deep analysis of this emerging problem faced by the world." (The Robotics Law Journal, Vol. 5 (2), September - October, 2019) Review Quote "A very well written book that has an engaging style of writing, doesnt become dry or bogged down in the details, but still showcases the depth of knowledge that Shaffer has on the subject. ... Its accessible and it provides a satisfying read to those looking for deep analysis of this emerging problem faced by the world." (The Robotics Law Journal, Vol. 5 (2), September - October, 2019) Feature Teaches the impact of the attention economy and algorithmic information delivery on media production and consumption Shows how regulations, business practices, and consumer safeguards have been slow to catch up to technological advances, leaving information platforms open to manipulation Covers how both foreign and domestic operatives leveraged big-data analytics to win (or hack) elections Includes information about social movements that have used participatory media to steer the narrative of mainstream media Shares how "troll armies" have used automated social media accounts (bots) to harass and abuse individuals and communities Details ISBN1484245393 Author Kris Shaffer Publisher APress Year 2019 Edition 1st ISBN-10 1484245393 ISBN-13 9781484245392 Format Paperback Imprint APress Subtitle How Big Data Algorithms Shape Opinions and Alter the Course of History Place of Publication Berkley Country of Publication United States Pages 120 DEWEY 302.231 Publication Date 2019-07-03 Short Title Data Versus Democracy Language English DOI 10.1007/978-1-4842-4540-8 UK Release Date 2019-07-03 AU Release Date 2019-07-03 NZ Release Date 2019-07-03 US Release Date 2019-07-03 Illustrations 2 Illustrations, black and white; XVII, 120 p. 2 illus. Edition Description 1st ed. Audience General We've got this At The Nile, if you're looking for it, we've got it. With fast shipping, low prices, friendly service and well over a million items - you're bound to find what you want, at a price you'll love! TheNile_Item_ID:130592923;

Price: 84.66 AUD

Location: Melbourne

End Time: 2025-01-05T01:47:55.000Z

Shipping Cost: 9.77 AUD