Algorithms Quote by Tarleton Gillespie
“These algorithms, which I'll call public relevance algorithms, are-by the very same mathematical procedures-producing and certifying knowledge. The algorithmic assessment of information, then, represents a particular knowledge logic, one built on specific presumptions about what knowledge is and how one should identify its most relevant components. That we are now turning to algorithms to identify what we need to know is as momentous as having relied on credentialed experts, the scientific method, common sense, or the word of God.”
About This Quote
Source Article: “The Relevance of Algorithms” by Tarleton Gillespie, 2010
Algorithms shape what we consider knowledge, reflecting assumptions about relevance and authority.
In simple terms: Algorithms decide what we see as important.
Key Takeaway
Question the assumptions behind algorithmic curation.
Themes
technology
knowledge
authority
bias
society
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
analytical
critical
When to use this quote
- research
- education
- media consumption
- policy making
Key Concepts
algorithmic governance
epistemic authority
digital mediation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do algorithms influence your understanding of truth?
- What safeguards can ensure balanced knowledge?
A Different Perspective
Algorithms may reinforce existing power structures and limit diverse perspectives.
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