Big Data, Algorithms, and Quantification

Abstract

This chapter examines the dangers of quantification, Big Data, and algorithms to the status of the individual as unique and valuable. It makes the argument that quantification reduces the richness of human lives to numbers, filtering out the qualitative nuance which is then ignored in favor of easily observable and manipulable numbers. In terms of our personal use of tracking data, this can lead us to ignore other aspects of our lives when mesmerized by numbers, as well as sacrificing our autonomous choices to algorithmic recommendations from businesses. Finally, Big Data and algorithms pose the greatest danger in terms of governance, where citizens are reduced to their most quantifiable aspects in policymaking and law, leading to utilitarian decision-making that ignores the individual.