The problem of researching a recursive society: Algorithms, data coils and the looping of the social

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...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Big data & society Vol. 9; no. 2
Main Author: Beer, David
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.07.2022
Sage Publications Ltd
SAGE Publishing
Subjects:
Algorithms
Coiling
Data
Feedback
Feedback loops
Loops
Recursion
Recursive algorithms
Sorting algorithms
Algorithms
feedback loops
data coils
recursive society
researching algorithms
recursivity
ISSN:2053-9517, 2053-9517
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary: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.
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ISSN:2053-9517
2053-9517
DOI:10.1177/20539517221104997