We are data: we are one, we are many

Written by Giulia on . Posted in MSc blog 2021.

a picture of a network
What happens if an algorithm arbitrarily decides whether a loan is approved, or an individual is labeled as a “risk” for society? It is a fair decision? After all, the algorithm is exercising its function of control through logic (Fuller, 2008, p. 15). It is taking objective decisions based on the data it gathered on categories of people like the one under scrutiny at any given moment. One could argue that the data that is gathered is flawed or, more simply, that human beings do not always fit...

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Misinformation: the (post)truth is in the middle

Written by Giulia on . Posted in MSc blog 2021.

It almost comes naturally to shake your head as a sign of disappointment, disapproval, and disbelief when someone in your friends’ list shares some kind of false news on social media platforms. What seems to be more challenging is to make them understand how and why the information they are spreading does not resonate with reliable sources and truth. Even harder, is doing so without sounding patronizing. Fake news is a widely used term to label the spread of false information, but often that...

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Sociology of selfies, a memento of (in)action

Written by Giulia on . Posted in MSc blog 2021.

girls taking a selfie
In predominantly western cultures selfies are an exhibition and performance of oneself. Selfies are everywhere (Senft & Baym, 2015, p. 1588) and they have become the core component of many social media platforms, specially one such as Instagram. While the phenomenon of taking selfies is widely common across the globe, the intention and meaning behind the click on the phone camera can be completely different depending on your location. In the West, often times selfies are paired with filters...

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Cameo: a brief appearance to monopolize the attention

Written by Giulia on . Posted in MSc blog 2021.

Home page of Cameo website
Cameo is a platform on which celebrities can sign up and decide for which price they are willing to record personalized messages, zoom meetings, or chat with their fans. The platform retains 25% of that price, and if the videos are not recorded within seven days of booking the fan is refunded. Celebrities can also decide to not record the message, if the content is offensive, or if fans ask to promote brands or specific products. Cameo managed to extract value from something that was already...

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One Takes All: How Attention is Successful in Our Economy

Written by Giulia on . Posted in Attention Economy, Information Economy, Social Media.

successful attention
There are reasons why the economy of attention works, but it’s not as obvious as it seems. A constant fight against loneliness and the illusory belief that celebrities deeply care about us individually are among the causes behind the success of the attention economy. Newspapers, TV, Radio – The Economy of Information In the past, education and knowledge were reserved to a few chosen ones. Even academic settings were restricted, so many people relied on media such as Newspapers, TV,...

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