Digital Modernity

Abstract

Modernity" is a social, cultural or historical descriptor for a certain type of society or set of social arrangements. This monograph reviews narratives of digital modernity, without endorsing them; as narratives, they selectively discuss aspects of our sociotechnical context, descriptively, teleologically or normatively. Digital modernity narratives focus on the possibilities of the data gathered by an ambient data infrastructure, enabled by ubiquitous devices such as the smartphone, and activities such as social networking and e-commerce. Some emphasise continuities with 20th century modernity narratives, while others emphasise discontinuity, such as theories of the singularity. Digital modernity is characterised by: a subjunctive outlook where people's choices can be anticipated and improved upon; the valorisation of disruptive innovation on demand; and control provided by data analysis within a virtual realm (cyberspace or the metaverse) which can be extended and applied to the physical world (in such applications as the quantified self and the smart city). The synergies and tensions between these three aspects are explored, as are the opportunities for and dilemmas posed by misinformation. Five principles emerge from the study of relevant texts and business models: (1) the quantity of data being produced in the world has enabled, and been enabled by, technological, social, economic and

Beyond Echo Chambers: Unraveling the Impact of Social Media Algorithms on Consumer Behavior and Exploring Pathways to a Diverse Digital Discourse

“…Internet personalization and its effect on democratic discourse was the subject of Sunstein's 2001 research. Echo chambers made possible by algorithms limit free speech, a crucial component of a democratic society [5]. Democracies suffer when people don't get a chance to share their unique perspectives and experiences.…”

“…Echo chambers divide and polarise society and undermine democracy, according to Sunstein. A functional democratic society requires genuine discussion, compromise, and consensus-building, but these are less likely without competing views [5]. Studying algorithm-enabled echo chambers is important, according to Sunstein.…”