IS40840

We live in a data-saturated world. Data are collected about us from birth to death and produced by and about us in our daily lives. Data are a resource, a commodity, and sometimes a threat. It is impossible to live a life without being “datafied”; even attempting to do so can be considered suspicious. In this module, we examine some of the many ways in which the datafication of society is creating both opportunities and problems for citizens, policy-making, cultures, and societies. The module begins with exploring and defining relevant concepts such as algorithms, Big Data, and platforms, then delves deeply into a range of topics including data infrastructures, “smart cities”, open data, “data for good”, data and bodies, data justice, and biometrics. Readings will be drawn from science & technology studies, information studies, anthropology, and communication and media.