Beer, David Gareth orcid.org/0000-0002-6926-4595 (2022) The problem of researching a recursive society:algorithms, data coils and the looping of the social. Big Data and Society. ISSN 2053-9517
Abstract
This commentary article outlines and explores the key problem that faces anyone interested in researching and understanding what might be thought of as a recursive society. It reflects on the problem that is posed by the layering of multiple feedback loops as a result of algorithmic sorting and data processes. This article is concerned with the difficulties of understanding the social where recursive algorithmic processes have repeatedly shaped outcomes, practices, relations and actions over time. This is not just about the sinking of algorithms into the everyday, it is about the way that loop-upon-loop of data processes lead to the social world itself being recursive. This repeated looping is described here as a kind of data coiling. The article argues for a focus on recursivity and for an engagement with the conceptual problems and questions that this notion implies.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © The Author(s) 2022 |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of York |
Academic Units: | The University of York > Faculty of Social Sciences (York) > Sociology (York) |
Depositing User: | Pure (York) |
Date Deposited: | 18 May 2022 09:40 |
Last Modified: | 22 Jan 2025 00:19 |
Published Version: | https://doi.org/10.1177/20539517221104997 |
Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1177/20539517221104997 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:187024 |
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Filename: 20539517221104997.pdf
Description: The problem of researching a recursive society: Algorithms, data coils and the looping of the social
Licence: CC-BY-NC 2.5