#algorithmic justice

[omegaphilosophia]

The Philosophy of Social Media

The philosophy of social media examines the profound impact of social media platforms on human interaction, identity, and society. This interdisciplinary field intersects with ethics, epistemology, sociology, and media studies, exploring how digital technologies shape our communication, perceptions, and behaviors. By analyzing the philosophical implications of social media, we gain insights into the nature of digital life and its influence on contemporary society.

Key Themes in the Philosophy of Social Media

Digital Identity and Self-Presentation:

Social media allows users to construct and curate their online personas, raising questions about authenticity, self-expression, and the nature of identity.

Philosophers explore how the digital environment influences self-perception and the distinction between online and offline selves.

Epistemology and Information:

The spread of information and misinformation on social media platforms presents challenges to traditional epistemology.

Discussions focus on the credibility of sources, the role of algorithms in shaping information, and the impact of echo chambers on knowledge and belief formation.

Ethics of Communication and Behavior:

The ethical implications of online behavior, including issues of privacy, cyberbullying, and digital harassment, are central to this field.

Philosophers examine the moral responsibilities of individuals and platforms in fostering respectful and ethical online interactions.

Social Media and Society:

Social media's role in shaping public discourse, political engagement, and social movements is a significant area of inquiry.

The influence of social media on democracy, public opinion, and collective action is critically analyzed.

Privacy and Surveillance:

The balance between privacy and surveillance on social media platforms raises important ethical and philosophical questions.

The implications of data collection, user tracking, and digital surveillance on personal freedom and autonomy are explored.

The Nature of Virtual Communities:

Social media creates new forms of community and social interaction, prompting philosophical inquiries into the nature and value of virtual communities.

The concepts of digital solidarity, community building, and the social dynamics of online interactions are examined.

Aesthetics of Social Media:

The visual and aesthetic dimensions of social media, including the impact of images, videos, and memes, are considered.

Philosophers analyze how aesthetic choices and digital art forms influence perception and communication in the digital age.

Addiction and Mental Health:

The psychological effects of social media use, including addiction, anxiety, and the impact on mental health, are significant areas of study.

Philosophers explore the ethical considerations of designing platforms that may contribute to addictive behaviors.

Algorithmic Bias and Justice:

The role of algorithms in shaping social media experiences raises questions about bias, fairness, and justice.

Philosophers critically assess the implications of algorithmic decision-making and its impact on social equality and discrimination.

Commercialization and Consumerism:

The commercialization of social media platforms and the commodification of user data are key concerns.

Discussions focus on the ethical implications of targeted advertising, consumer manipulation, and the economic dynamics of social media companies.

The philosophy of social media provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the complexities of digital interaction and its impact on contemporary life. By examining issues of identity, epistemology, ethics, and societal influence, this field offers valuable insights into the ways social media shapes our world. It encourages a critical and reflective approach to digital life, emphasizing the need for ethical considerations and responsible use of technology.

[afutureworththinkingabout]

Further Thoughts on the "Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights"

So with the job of White House Office of Science and Technology Policy director having gone to Dr. Arati Prabhakar back in October, rather than Dr. Alondra Nelson, and the release of the "Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights" (henceforth "BfaAIBoR" or "blueprint") a few weeks after that, I am both very interested also pretty worried to see what direction research into "artificial intelligence" is actually going to take from here.

To be clear, my fundamental problem with the "Blueprint for an AI bill of rights" is that while it pays pretty fine lip-service to the ideas of  community-led oversight, transparency, and abolition of and abstaining from developing certain tools, it begins with, and repeats throughout, the idea that sometimes law enforcement, the military, and the intelligence community might need to just… ignore these principles. Additionally, Dr. Prabhakar was director of DARPA for roughly five years, between 2012 and 2015, and considering what I know for a fact got funded within that window? Yeah.

To put a finer point on it, 14 out of 16 uses of the phrase "law enforcement" and 10 out of 11 uses of "national security" in this blueprint are in direct reference to why those entities' or concept structures' needs might have to supersede the recommendations of the BfaAIBoR itself. The blueprint also doesn't mention the depredations of extant military "AI" at all. Instead, it points to the idea that the Department Of Defense (DoD) "has adopted [AI] Ethical Principles, and tenets for Responsible Artificial Intelligence specifically tailored to its [national security and defense] activities." And so with all of that being the case, there are several current "AI" projects in the pipe which a blueprint like this wouldn't cover, even if it ever became policy, and frankly that just fundamentally undercuts Much of the real good a project like this could do.

For instance, at present, the DoD's ethical frames are entirely about transparency, explainability, and some lipservice around equitability and "deliberate steps to minimize unintended bias in Al …" To understand a bit more of what I mean by this, here's the DoD's "Responsible Artificial Intelligence Strategy…" pdf (which is not natively searchable and I had to OCR myself, so heads-up); and here's the Office of National Intelligence's "ethical principles" for building AI. Note that not once do they consider the moral status of the biases and values they have intentionally baked into their systems.

Read the rest of Further Thoughts on the "Blueprint for the AI Bill of Rights" at A Future Worth Thinking About

[dzasta15]

he just wanted them to match

[alwaysbewoke]

Last summer, as a spike in violent crime hit New Orleans, the city council voted to allow police to use facial-recognition software to track down suspects. It was billed as an effective, fair tool to ID criminals quickly. A year after the system went online, data show the results have been almost exactly the opposite. Records obtained and analyzed by POLITICO show the practice failed to ID suspects a majority of the time and is disproportionately used on Black people. We reviewed nearly a year’s worth of New Orleans facial recognition requests, sent for serious felony crimes including murder and armed robbery. In that time, New Orleans PD sent 19 requests. Of the 15 that went through: 14 were for Black suspects 9 failed to make a match Half of the 6 matches were wrong 1 arrest was made While it hasn’t led to any false arrests, police facial identification in New Orleans appears to confirm what civil rights advocates have argued for years: that it amplifies, rather than corrects, the underlying human biases of the authorities that use them. U.S. lawmakers of both parties have tried for years to limit how police can use facial recognition, but have yet to enact any laws. Some states have passed limited rules, like those preventing its use on body cameras in California or banning its use in schools in New York. A few left-leaning cities have fully banned law enforcement use of the technology. For two years, in the wake of the George Floyd protests, New Orleans was one of them. “This department hung their hat on this,” said New Orleans Councilmember At-Large JP Morrell, a Democrat who voted against lifting the ban and has seen the NOPD data. Its use of the system, he says, has been “wholly ineffective and pretty obviously racist.” (NOPD denies that its usage of facial recognition is racially biased). Politically, New Orleans’ City Council is split on facial recognition, but a slim majority of its members — alongside the police, mayor and local businesses — still support its use, despite the results of the past year.

x

[wulfhalls]

yo remember the fucking. feet washing jesus imagery forgiveness scene they added in the death note anime. 4.5 minutes before light finally kills L. remember that? sort of deeply insane thing to just. add to ur anime adaptation like that. 👍 just sitting around in the animation studio going. u know what the episode L dies in needs? more homoeroticism and religious symbolism. why did they do that

[fireflysongbirdperson]

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[worldsofzzt]

Source “Algorithm Part 1: Disco For Justice!” by Aeris (2008) Published by: Awesome Corps [ALGORITH.ZZT] - “Don't trust those evil horsies” Play This World Online ---- Discover More Information About This World on the Museum of ZZT

[hussyknee]

the no fly list is 100% an example of government surveillance and works through the amorphous threat of consequences you are exactly right and not overreacting. it's also not at all common knowledge in the US that for most people the no fly list ends up being a minor inconvenience. signed, political geographer researching privacy and surveillance

Oh thank you SO MUCH! I was quite worried. Although tbh I think it would have been better if I had been the one overselling it. :/

[her-canine-teeth]

sometimes it's important to get a reality check. for example, i get violently interested in basically anything and ill ask my friend 'lots, is yellowjackets popular' and shell be like 'what the fuck is yellowjackets' and ill be like 'thanks great talking to you' and then. many a time later i discover it actually is popular and more ppl than my 3 beloved mutuals know abt it. but such is the life

[rickktish]

The hypocritical dichotomy of “I have the right to separate myself from those who have hurt me, I hold no obligation to them or to the connections we once had” and “I will hold the people who have hurt me personally accountable for the pain they have caused me and prioritize myself above their feelings” is the kind of thing that makes me want to tear my hair out and start biting people

[amtrak12]

Look, I'm just saying that the end of the instrumental riff in Journey's Separate Ways (about 3:40ish in) would make a killer backdrop to Father McKinley's prophecy in S4 Lucifer that goes "When the Devil walks the Earth and finds his first love, evil shall be released" while montaging clips of Lee and Dan getting out of Hell and into Heaven. You know, seeing as that's what the prophecy was ultimately about and I haven't found a single fan video to draw that connection yet.

And ALSO, Malcolm's S1 speech to Dan in St Lucifer about what happens when you die and how there's a door just for you in Hell should 120% have been in the angsty 'Dan died' fan videos because OH MY GOD I was losing my mind during my rewatch the other day. :O

[fadeintolight]

.

[rigelmejo]

i’m listening to a random audiobook i found called 我是凶手 (I tell you what it SOUNDS cute, it sure does Not sound like its about ‘i’m a murderer’ so far lmao). and they keep playing this slow harmonica sounding music clip that is screaming to me ‘final fantasy vii soft warm emotional moment’ and it’s absolutely giving me whiplash lol. I’m like ‘oh yeah okay so gay possibly enemies? wait WHY is cloud crying in the countryside in my mind rn’ 

I think.... this is what the novel is? https://www.jjwxc.net/onebook.php?novelid=5301119  我是凶手作者：千若 but... i don’t think that’s right, what i’m listening to has 180 chapters as far as i can tell... not just the 5 I’m seeing on jjwxc... this is what i’m listening to, except i’m listening on bilibili. https://www.ximalaya.com/sound/615931684 what novel am i even listening to...? i just clicked whatever bilibili’s been recommending me since it regularly gives me danmei audiobook recommendations and this looked ‘crime’ genre and i do love that.

[chrisaleenclara]

unsolicited advice for that guy who won Florida that one time

if I was the person who "invented the internet" I'd look around at our algorithmically generated hellscape and quite simply... change my name.

[civicsavvy]

Part 4: The Forgotten Consensus: Shared Values Across Divides

In an era marked by intense polarization, it is easy to overlook the core values that unite individuals across political, social, and cultural divides. Despite the rhetoric that suggests an irreconcilable divide among Americans, many underlying principles remain widely held. These shared values—such as freedom, justice, community, and the pursuit of happiness—form the foundation of American identity and provide a pathway for reconnecting amidst discord.

Highlighting Underlying Values

At the heart of American society lies a commitment to fundamental principles that resonate across political ideologies. These include:

Freedom: The desire for individual liberties is a cornerstone of American life. Whether one leans left or right, the importance of personal freedom—be it freedom of speech, religion, or choice—is a shared value that transcends political affiliation. This commitment to freedom serves as a rallying point for diverse groups, allowing for conversations about rights and responsibilities that foster mutual respect.

Justice: The pursuit of justice is a common aspiration that motivates many social movements and civic actions. While interpretations of justice may vary, the fundamental belief in fairness and equity resonates with people across the political spectrum. Acknowledging this shared commitment can pave the way for constructive discussions about reform and accountability within systems of governance and society.

Community: The value of community and connection is another unifying factor. Regardless of political beliefs, most people yearn for belonging, support, and the ability to contribute to the greater good. Emphasizing community engagement and collective well-being can help bridge divides and encourage collaboration on local initiatives that benefit everyone.

The Pursuit of Happiness: The idea that everyone should have the opportunity to pursue their version of happiness is a fundamental American ideal. This principle can encourage dialogue about social and economic policies, allowing for discussions that focus on creating environments where individuals can thrive.

Evidence of “Deep Agreement” on Key Issues

Research has shown that beneath the surface-level disagreements, there exists a “deep agreement” on many critical issues. Studies by organizations such as the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) and the Pew Research Center reveal that, on several key issues, majorities across political affiliations share similar concerns and aspirations.

Economic Opportunity: Across party lines, there is a consensus that economic opportunity should be accessible to all. Many Americans believe in the importance of providing pathways for upward mobility, supporting education, and creating job opportunities for those struggling to make ends meet.

Healthcare: While specific policy preferences may differ, the overarching belief that access to healthcare is a fundamental right is prevalent among many Americans. This shared concern can drive discussions about how to reform the healthcare system in a way that aligns with shared values.

Environmental Protection: Concerns about environmental degradation and the desire for sustainable practices are common sentiments among diverse groups. The acknowledgment of our shared responsibility to protect the planet can serve as a unifying cause that transcends partisan divides.

Safety and Security: The need for personal and community safety is a universal concern. While approaches to achieving safety may differ, the underlying desire for secure environments is a common ground that can facilitate cooperation on issues like crime reduction and public safety.

Emphasizing Shared Beliefs Amid Disagreements on Specific Policies

While policy disagreements are inevitable in a democratic society, emphasizing shared beliefs can help mitigate polarization and foster a culture of collaboration. Here are some strategies to highlight these common values:

Focus on Common Goals: In discussions around contentious issues, it is essential to frame conversations in terms of shared goals rather than partisan divides. By articulating a collective vision for the future—such as improved healthcare access, economic prosperity, or environmental stewardship—individuals can align their interests toward common objectives.

Encourage Dialogue Over Debate: Shift the focus from adversarial debate to open dialogue. Create spaces where individuals can share their experiences and perspectives without fear of judgment. Encourage active listening and the exploration of underlying motivations, which can reveal shared values even when specific policy preferences differ.

Celebrate Local Initiatives: Highlight local examples of cooperation and community-building that transcend political divides. By showcasing successful collaborative efforts on issues like education, public health, or infrastructure, individuals can see the potential for collective action, inspiring broader movements for unity.

Utilize Storytelling: Personal narratives can be powerful tools for connecting with others. By sharing stories that reflect common struggles, hopes, and aspirations, individuals can humanize issues and foster empathy. Storytelling allows people to relate to one another on a deeper level, moving beyond political labels and fostering understanding.

Engage in Community Activities: Encourage participation in community service projects, town hall meetings, or local events that bring diverse groups together. Engaging in shared activities fosters connections and reinforces a sense of community, reminding individuals of their shared humanity.

Conclusion: Reclaiming the Narrative of Unity

In a time characterized by polarization, reclaiming the narrative of unity requires an active commitment to recognizing and celebrating the shared values that bind us together. By focusing on underlying principles like freedom, justice, and community, and by embracing the evidence of deep agreement on key issues, individuals can transcend divisions and work toward common goals.

In the following part, attention will be given to how universities and educational institutions shape social attitudes and political beliefs, emphasizing the need for balanced discourse and intellectual diversity. This section will discuss the pivotal role of academia in cultivating critical thinking and promoting a broad-minded approach to differing perspectives.

Part 5: The Role of Universities and Education in Shaping Perspectives

In today's polarized landscape, educational institutions wield substantial power in shaping societal attitudes, beliefs, and political perspectives. Universities and colleges have historically been spaces for intellectual exploration, free expression, and rigorous debate. Yet, in recent years, some argue that academia has shifted, increasingly reflecting specific ideologies that may discourage genuine critical thinking and open dialogue. This chapter delves into the role of universities in shaping beliefs, examines the challenges posed by ideological conformity, and considers ways that educational institutions can foster a more balanced, open-minded approach.

Influence of Academia on Social Attitudes and Political Beliefs

Higher education plays a significant role in shaping the values, norms, and ideologies of students. For many, college years are formative, marking the first time they encounter diverse perspectives and engage in deep self-reflection. As such, universities serve as cultural incubators, influencing the trajectory of social and political beliefs in broader society. For instance, studies show that students are more likely to emerge from college with progressive attitudes, especially regarding social issues such as gender equality, racial justice, and environmental concerns.

However, there is ongoing debate over the extent to which this shift reflects a genuine exploration of diverse ideas versus an environment that encourages specific perspectives. Some researchers argue that the ideological leanings of faculty members and the overall culture on many campuses can unintentionally create an "echo chamber" effect, where certain views are amplified while others are marginalized. As a result, students may feel pressured to adopt mainstream opinions or risk social alienation.

Ideological Conformity and Its Consequences

The issue of ideological conformity within academic settings has been widely discussed in recent years, with concerns about "groupthink" emerging in some disciplines. In an environment where a particular ideological framework dominates, students and faculty members may be discouraged—whether directly or subtly—from expressing dissenting opinions. This creates a culture where individuals may avoid questioning widely accepted beliefs, inhibiting the kind of critical thinking that universities aim to foster.

This conformity can have several consequences. First, it undermines the principle of academic freedom, limiting the scope of inquiry and hindering intellectual diversity. When certain perspectives are sidelined or dismissed outright, the result is a partial, and sometimes distorted, view of complex social and political issues. Second, ideological conformity can create a polarized campus environment, where students perceive "acceptable" and "unacceptable" opinions, stifling productive discussion and discouraging genuine curiosity.

Moreover, the consequences of this culture extend beyond the walls of academia. Graduates who have primarily been exposed to a narrow range of views may be less prepared to navigate diverse perspectives in the workforce and society at large. As they enter professional and civic life, they may struggle to engage with others who hold different beliefs, perpetuating the broader polarization we see in society.

Fostering Critical Thinking and Open Dialogue

To counteract these tendencies, universities must prioritize critical thinking and open dialogue, treating them as foundational skills rather than secondary goals. Critical thinking allows students to analyze information, question assumptions, and evaluate arguments, which is essential for developing well-rounded perspectives on complex issues. When students learn to engage critically with diverse ideas, they become better equipped to form their own views, rather than simply adopting prevailing beliefs uncritically.

Open dialogue, meanwhile, ensures that students are exposed to a range of viewpoints, helping to foster empathy and understanding. By facilitating respectful conversations across ideological divides, universities can create an environment where students feel safe expressing different perspectives. This approach not only enriches students' academic experiences but also prepares them to be thoughtful, open-minded citizens.

To achieve this, universities can implement several strategies:

Encourage Ideological Diversity Among Faculty and Guest Speakers: By actively seeking faculty and speakers from diverse ideological backgrounds, universities can expose students to a broader range of perspectives. This helps prevent an echo chamber effect and ensures that students encounter ideas they might not otherwise encounter.

Establish Forums for Structured Debate: Organized debates, panel discussions, and dialogue sessions can provide structured opportunities for students to engage with contrasting viewpoints. When these events are moderated effectively, they can serve as valuable educational experiences, teaching students how to engage in respectful, constructive debate.

Incorporate Critical Thinking into the Curriculum: Critical thinking skills should be explicitly taught and emphasized throughout the curriculum, regardless of discipline. Assignments and assessments that require students to analyze different perspectives, question assumptions, and construct well-reasoned arguments can help cultivate this skill.

Create a Culture of Intellectual Humility: Encouraging intellectual humility—the recognition that one's own views are fallible—can reduce defensiveness and make students more receptive to alternative perspectives. By promoting a mindset of continuous learning, universities can foster a culture where students feel comfortable re-evaluating their beliefs.

Support Freedom of Expression Policies: Clear policies supporting freedom of expression on campus can help create an environment where students feel empowered to express diverse views without fear of retribution. Universities should make it clear that, while hate speech is unacceptable, respectful discussion of controversial ideas is both welcome and encouraged.

Case Studies: Universities That Champion Open Dialogue

Some universities have made strides toward promoting a culture of open dialogue and intellectual diversity. For instance, the University of Chicago is well known for its "Chicago Principles," which affirm the institution's commitment to free expression and open discourse. This policy has become a model for other universities, demonstrating the potential for creating an environment where students are encouraged to explore diverse viewpoints.

Another example is Princeton University's James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions, which hosts lectures, seminars, and fellowships focused on open debate and the study of American principles. Programs like these create spaces where students can engage with a wide array of ideological perspectives, challenging their preconceptions and expanding their understanding.

In both cases, these universities have recognized that fostering open dialogue and critical thinking requires intentional policies and programs. Their commitment to these principles underscores the value of a balanced approach to education that respects intellectual freedom while encouraging thoughtful, inclusive discussions.

Preparing Students for a Polarized World

The role of universities in shaping perspectives extends beyond academic and career preparation; it also includes preparing students to engage constructively in a polarized world. By fostering critical thinking and open dialogue, universities can equip students with the tools they need to approach complex issues thoughtfully and empathetically. Rather than viewing ideological diversity as a threat, they can see it as an asset—a means of broadening their understanding and challenging their assumptions.

Ultimately, educational institutions have a responsibility to create an environment where students are encouraged to think independently and engage with a wide range of ideas. In doing so, they can help bridge the divides that have become so prominent in society, cultivating a generation of graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also open-minded and prepared to build a more unified future.

[fireflysongbirdperson]

Take action and stand in solidarity with Palestinian people