Using racial discourse communities to audit personalization algorithms

Abstract Personalization algorithms are the information undercurrent of the digital age. They learn users’ behaviors and tailor content to individual interests and predicted tastes. These algorithms, in turn, categorize and represent these users back to society—culturally, politically, and racially....

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Communication, culture & critique Vol. 16; no. 3; pp. 158 - 165
Main Authors: Stoldt, Ryan, Maragh-Lloyd, Raven, Havens, Tim, Ekdale, Brian, High, Andrew C
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Oxford University Press 25.08.2023
Subjects:
personalization algorithms
communication methods
critical race
algorithm audits
Internet and society
ISSN:1753-9129, 1753-9137
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Abstract Personalization algorithms are the information undercurrent of the digital age. They learn users’ behaviors and tailor content to individual interests and predicted tastes. These algorithms, in turn, categorize and represent these users back to society—culturally, politically, and racially. Researchers audit personalization algorithms to critique the ways bias is perpetuated within these systems. Yet, research examining the relationship between personalization algorithms and racial bias has not yet contended with the complexities of conceptualizing race. This article argues for the use of racialized discourse communities within algorithm audits, providing a way to audit algorithms that accounts for both the historical and cultural influences of race and its measurement online.
ISSN:1753-9129
1753-9137
DOI:10.1093/ccc/tcad015