Algorithms of Oppression
by Safiya Noble
Key Concepts
Algorithmic Bias
Algorithms reflect and amplify human biases embedded in their data and design.
Information Redlining
Digital spaces can restrict access to quality information for marginalized groups, mirroring historical discrimination.
Commercial Exploitation
Search results are often driven by profit motives, not objective truth, leading to harmful stereotypes.
Digital Discrimination
Online systems systematically disadvantage certain groups, impacting their access to opportunities and accurate representation.
Technological Neutrality Myth
The false belief that technology is inherently unbiased, masking its profound social and political implications.
Action Items
Critically evaluate all algorithmic outputs for embedded biases and commercial influences.
Advocate for greater transparency and accountability in algorithm design and data sourcing.
Prioritize diverse representation in AI development teams to mitigate inherent biases.
Educate oneself and others on algorithmic literacy and its societal impact.
Support policies and initiatives promoting ethical AI and equitable data governance.
Core Thesis
Search algorithms are not neutral tools but powerful instruments that perpetuate and amplify societal inequalities, particularly racism and sexism.
Mindset Shift
Recognize that algorithms are not objective mathematical constructs but socially constructed systems that embed and amplify human values and biases.