The increasing dependency on digital platforms in our daily lives has given rise to a new era of human and machine interaction, known as digital cultures. However, this has also created a complex set of ethical and policy implications, particularly with regard to issues of dependency and control. This paper will explore the impact of algorithms and anthropomorphic visualization on these issues and highlight the need for effective policy and ethical frameworks to address them.
Algorithms are a key factor driving the tendency towards increased dependency on digital platforms. They enable individuals to process and analyse vast amounts of data, often leading to the creation of digital profiles of individuals. These digital profiles can be used for targeted advertising and related purposes. However, the use of algorithms raises concerns about access to data, accuracy, and bias. It is difficult to assess the fairness of their results and the extent to which they may be discriminatory.
Another issue is the growing use of anthropomorphic visualization in digital platforms. This refers to the ways in which digital systems are designed to resemble or imitate human-like characteristics. The use of virtual assistants like Siri or Alexa, or the use of humanoid robots in customer service raises concerns about the extent to which our interactions with digital systems are being shaped by human-like characteristics, and how this might affect our perceptions of privacy and control.
The paper will attempt to understand the emergence of digital cultures and its implications for society, highlighting the need for effective policy and ethical frameworks to address issues of dependency and control. By examining the impact of algorithms and anthropomorphic visualization, this paper aims to contribute to the ongoing dialogue on how to ensure that individuals' rights are protected in the digital age.