Algorithms of oppression : how search engines reinforce racism / Safiya Umoja Noble.
2018
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Details
Author
Title
Algorithms of oppression : how search engines reinforce racism / Safiya Umoja Noble.
Imprint
New York : New York University Press, [2018]
Description
1 online resource (xv, 229 pages) : illustrations
Formatted Contents Note
Acknowledgments
Introduction: the power of algorithms
A society, searching
Searching for Black girls
Searching for people and communities
Searching for protections from search engines
The future of knowledge in the public
The future of information culture
Conclusion: algorithms of oppression
Epilogue
Notes
Bibliography
Index
About the author.
Introduction: the power of algorithms
A society, searching
Searching for Black girls
Searching for people and communities
Searching for protections from search engines
The future of knowledge in the public
The future of information culture
Conclusion: algorithms of oppression
Epilogue
Notes
Bibliography
Index
About the author.
Summary
A revealing look at how negative biases against women of color are embedded in search engine results and algorithms Run a Google search for "black girls"-what will you find? "Big Booty" and other sexually explicit terms are likely to come up as top search terms. But, if you type in "white girls," the results are radically different. The suggested porn sites and un-moderated discussions about "why black women are so sassy" or "why black women are so angry" presents a disturbing portrait of black womanhood in modern society. In Algorithms of Oppression, Safiya Umoja Noble challenges the idea that search engines like Google offer an equal playing field for all forms of ideas, identities, and activities. Data discrimination is a real social problem; Noble argues that the combination of private interests in promoting certain sites, along with the monopoly status of a relatively small number of Internet search engines, leads to a biased set of search algorithms that privilege whiteness and discriminate against people of color, specifically women of color. Through an analysis of textual and media searches as well as extensive research on paid online advertising, Noble exposes a culture of racism and sexism in the way discoverability is created online. As search engines and their related companies grow in importance-operating as a source for email, a major vehicle for primary and secondary school learning, and beyond-understanding and reversing these disquieting trends and discriminatory practices is of utmost importance.
Note
A revealing look at how negative biases against women of color are embedded in search engine results and algorithms Run a Google search for "black girls"-what will you find? "Big Booty" and other sexually explicit terms are likely to come up as top search terms. But, if you type in "white girls," the results are radically different. The suggested porn sites and un-moderated discussions about "why black women are so sassy" or "why black women are so angry" presents a disturbing portrait of black womanhood in modern society. In Algorithms of Oppression, Safiya Umoja Noble challenges the idea that search engines like Google offer an equal playing field for all forms of ideas, identities, and activities. Data discrimination is a real social problem; Noble argues that the combination of private interests in promoting certain sites, along with the monopoly status of a relatively small number of Internet search engines, leads to a biased set of search algorithms that privilege whiteness and discriminate against people of color, specifically women of color. Through an analysis of textual and media searches as well as extensive research on paid online advertising, Noble exposes a culture of racism and sexism in the way discoverability is created online. As search engines and their related companies grow in importance-operating as a source for email, a major vehicle for primary and secondary school learning, and beyond-understanding and reversing these disquieting trends and discriminatory practices is of utmost importance.
Bibliography, etc. Note
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Source of Description
Print version record.
Location
WWW
Available in Other Form
Print version: Noble, Safiya Umoja. Algorithms of oppression. New York : New York University Press, [2018]
Access Note
Access restricted to subscribing institutions.
Linked Resources
Language
English
ISBN
9781479833641 (electronic book)
1479833649 (electronic book)
9781479866762
1479866768
9781479849949
1479849944
9781479837243
1479837245
1479833649 (electronic book)
9781479866762
1479866768
9781479849949
1479849944
9781479837243
1479837245
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