Data: Made Not Found (by danah)

Assorted research thoughts on sociotechnical topics ranging from the census to algorithmic accountability, all with an eye to how data and society intersect with structural inequity

The hottest Substack posts of Data: Made Not Found (by danah)

And their main takeaways

The Screens are the Symptom.

153 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23

📚 Literature Books Censorship Knowledge Youth Authoritarianism

Fahrenheit 451 warns about the dangers of banning books and substituting knowledge with screens.
The book also critiques societal attitudes towards children in the 1950s.
It highlights the importance of not just fighting symptoms, but understanding the structural conditions that enable repression.

Deskilling on the Job

145 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23

🕹 Technology AI Automation Workforce Training Skills

AI can lead to deskilling on the job, affecting pilots, surgeons, and other professions.
Training has shifted from on-the-job to expecting skills at hiring, creating gaps in talent and opportunity.
Efficiency with technology should balance quality and quantity, avoiding deskilling highly skilled professionals.

Resisting Deterministic Thinking

145 implied HN points • 10 Apr 23

🕹 Technology AI Future Innovation Tech Ethics Decision-making

Deterministic thinking can lead to polarization and distrust in discussions about the future.
Embracing probabilistic thinking is essential for understanding how technologies shape different possible futures.
Projectories can be both beneficial and detrimental, highlighting the need for more nuanced and reflexive thinking about the impacts of technology.

Protect Elders! Ban Television!!

136 implied HN points • 10 Apr 23

🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Technology Parenting Social media Regulation

Television viewing among elders is very high, impacting health and social connections.
Regulating children's social media use may not address mental health issues effectively.
It's important to address and change unhealthy habits, like excessive television or technology use, with thoughtful strategies.

Too Big to Challenge?

102 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23

🕹 Technology Tech industry AI Stock Market Economy

Five Big Tech companies account for 25% of the S&P 500, which impacts the overall economy
Tech industry's high status employee compensation is tied to the stock market, leading to talent wars and perverse incentives
Collective over-hiring in tech and fear of layoffs may be affecting worker motivation and company dynamics

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Everyday examples of mundane low-stakes data modeling fails

51 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23

🕹 Technology Data Modeling Supply Chains Customer Service Delivery Services

Focusing on low-stakes data modeling failures is important to understand how algorithms are shaping minor aspects of our lives.
Supply chains and service-based businesses are facing challenges from flawed data modeling, affecting customers, workers, and businesses.
Everyday interactions like car rentals and food delivery are revealing flaws in data modeling, leading to frustration and distrust in brands.

Microsoft Research Opportunities (with more coming)

8 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23

🕹 Technology Research

Microsoft Research has openings for Pre-Doc/Research Assistant and Post-Doc positions
Opportunities are available for those seeking a PhD or who have recently obtained a PhD
Internship and funding opportunities for PhD students and researchers are forthcoming