Progressive Science Institute

Data is not neutral

The latest post on the PSI blog discusses the pros and cons of data-driven technologies and of the impending automation of work. Discussed in depth is the concept expounded in the book "Inventing the Future" by Srnicek and Williams, that the tendency towards increased automation can be redirected by progressive forces to help create a post-work society that is beneficial for all (and how this is different from current trends, which increase the amount of precarious and low-paid work).

This post also calls for those with skills and data analysis and data science who want to use these to tackle social and environmental issues to get in touch with us, we need your help.

What do you think? Can automation of work be used as a force for positive change, or should its reach be limited?

http://progressivescience.org/index.php/2017/02/11/data-is-not-neutral-how-powerful-interests-are-shaping-21st-century-technology-and-robots-not-immigrants-are-taking-your-job/

Data is Not Neutral – How Powerful Interests are Shaping 21st Century Technology and Robots, Not Immigrants, are Taking your Job – Progressive Science Institute Technological buzzwords like ‘Big Data’, the ‘Internet of Things’ and ‘Machine Learning’ are becoming ubiquitous in our increasingly techno-centric society, with advocates heralding the birth of a new data-driven age where predictive and analytic technologies will inform every aspect of our lives an...

Great piece from work from MIT researchers suggesting that we can't simply rely on technological innovation to get us to a sustainable future. The problem lies in the fact that innovation will simply increase the demands we have of technology whilst not significantly affecting the amount of materials and energy we use to make it. Known as Jevons' Paradox.

"There is a techno-optimist's position that says technological change will fix the environment," Magee observes. "This says, probably not."

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/01/170119120234.htm

Technological progress alone won't stem resource use: Researchers find no evidence of an overall reduction in the world's consumption of materials While some scientists believe that the world can achieve significant dematerialization through improvements in technology, a new study finds that technological advances alone will not bring about dematerialization and, ultimately, a sustainable world. The researchers found that no matter how much mo...