TY - GEN
T1 - Algorithmic pollution
T2 - IFIP WG 8.2 Working Conference on the Interaction of Information Systems and the Organization
AU - Marjanovic, Olivera
AU - Cecez-Kecmanovic, Dubravka
AU - Vidgen, Richard
PY - 2018
Y1 - 2018
N2 - In this paper we explore the unintended negative social consequences of algorithmic decision-making, which we define as “algorithmic pollution”. By drawing parallels with environmental pollution, we demonstrate that algorithmic pollution is already here and causing many damaging, unrecognised and yet-to-be understood consequences for individuals, communities and a wider society. Focusing on transformative services (i.e., services that transform human lives, such as social support services, healthcare, and education), we offer an innovative way of framing, exploring and theorizing algorithmic pollution in the contemporary digital environment. Using sociomateriality as a theoretical lens, we explain how this type of pollution is performed, how it is spreading and who is responsible for it. The proposed approach enables us to articulate a preliminary set of IS research challenges of particular importance to the IS community related to living with and responding to algorithmic pollution, together with an urgent call for action. Our main practical contribution comes from the parallels we draw between the environmental protection movement and the newly created sociomaterial environment that needs protecting from the spread of algorithmic pollution.
AB - In this paper we explore the unintended negative social consequences of algorithmic decision-making, which we define as “algorithmic pollution”. By drawing parallels with environmental pollution, we demonstrate that algorithmic pollution is already here and causing many damaging, unrecognised and yet-to-be understood consequences for individuals, communities and a wider society. Focusing on transformative services (i.e., services that transform human lives, such as social support services, healthcare, and education), we offer an innovative way of framing, exploring and theorizing algorithmic pollution in the contemporary digital environment. Using sociomateriality as a theoretical lens, we explain how this type of pollution is performed, how it is spreading and who is responsible for it. The proposed approach enables us to articulate a preliminary set of IS research challenges of particular importance to the IS community related to living with and responding to algorithmic pollution, together with an urgent call for action. Our main practical contribution comes from the parallels we draw between the environmental protection movement and the newly created sociomaterial environment that needs protecting from the spread of algorithmic pollution.
KW - Algorithmic justice
KW - Algorithmic pollution
KW - Negative consequences
KW - Sociomaterial environment
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85058345908&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/978-3-030-04091-8_4
DO - 10.1007/978-3-030-04091-8_4
M3 - Conference proceeding contribution
AN - SCOPUS:85058345908
SN - 9783030040901
T3 - IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology
SP - 31
EP - 47
BT - Living with Monsters? Social implications of algorithmic phenomena, hybrid agency, and the performativity of technology
A2 - Schultze, Ulrike
A2 - Aanestad, Margunn
A2 - Mähring, Magnus
A2 - Østerlund, Carsten
A2 - Riemer, Kai
PB - Springer, Springer Nature
CY - Cham
Y2 - 11 December 2018 through 12 December 2018
ER -