21 - Injury by Algorithms

Summary

Online reputational injury can occur in a number of ways; and one way is through the use of algorithms that pervade the Internet. The Internet is comprised of complex technologies that enable the dissemination of information rapidly, providing global reach in a matter of seconds through the click of a button. The Internet provides robust public discourse over a gamut of topics in real-time and allows individuals from different parts of the world to interact with one another while preserving some sense of anonymity (that is, if they so choose). Many online communications stem from one piece of content that is regurgitated and redistributed on multiple platforms. For example, consider the social application Twitter. Twitter allows individuals to transmit bite-sized pieces of data among millions of users. Twitter has surprisingly become an outlet for a recent US President, and the fact that the public has direct access to a sitting President in this manner is undoubtedly incredible. Further, the Internet emboldens individuals to act behind the shield of a screen. There is little cost to spreading information, ideas, and gossip online, with seemingly few ramifications. Despite what may be perceived as a few keystrokes that have an ephemeral impact, content on the Internet has a tendency of permanence.