And just like that, it’s June. Tomorrow, Social Responsibility of Algorithms 2022 begins. This is a project I’ve been working on (with many amazing colleagues) since before this pandemic was a thing. It’s almost unreal to see it get to this point — thanks to covid, the project has been delayed, shifted to online, transformed in timing and scope, and more.
But it’s here, it’s a thing, and it’s starting tomorrow. And I’m really proud of what we’ve put together. I think we have the opportunity to hold a genuinely cross-disciplinary / cross-sector conversation on how we design and regulate algorithmic systems in this world.
Why does this matter? Well, these things are everywhere. They’re shaping how we interact, how we intervene, how we live, what we believe, and their influence is only growing. It’s important, now more than ever, to think about how we design and use these systems. And it’s especially important to make sure these conversations are happening amongst diverse groups of people, in places far from where these algorithmic systems are (most often) being designed.
Registrations are closed, but we have already started putting some of our speakers’ fantastic talks out there — and there will be more coming soon. So: if you’re interested, check out our program, visit our YouTube playlist, or listen to our podcast. And feel free to share your thoughts on what you learn! I’m always interested in hearing what “socially responsible algorithm” means to you.
Feature photo by Giallo on Pexels.