No 12 - WHITE NOISE - Why a data-driven society needs more common sense
Data is seen by many as the gold of the 21st century. And because we are generating more and more of this, there is a growing sense of euphoria. We believe that algorithms can relieve us of the burden of taking many difficult decisions on our own, help us achieve a better understanding of our environment, or even predict the future.
Software companies dream of the advent of intelligent cities that know their citizens‘ desires, while researchers are working on a world simulator designed to prevent economic crises and even wars. “Big Data“ is the buzzword that is synonymous with the hope that more data will mean more knowledge, transparency and economic prosperity. However, any time expectations are raised in this way this has to be balanced by a critical analysis of the consequences. There are already various indications that the increased volume of data will not lead to more transparency but will be lost in the white noise of the data masses. ABSTRAKT N°12 goes in search of answers to the question of what the data society will mean for us. The results show why there is something to be said for the continuing lack of transparency and how in the new age we will need not only better algorithms, but more common sense than ever before.
With contributions from sociophysicist Dirk Helbing, urbanist Adam Greenfield, criminologist Spencer Chainey, star designer Oliver Reichenstein and Roger de Weck, Director General of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation.
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