How are data and algorithms changing our democracy and politics?

1. How are data and algorithms changing our democracy and politics? Discuss, using examples and/or case studies, and relevant academic sources;

– Through independent literature research, review and analysis, develop an argument in relation to datafication and related themes. The essay needs to discuss theoretical approaches covered in the module and students should refer to evidence (examples, case studies, statistics, etc.) to back up their arguments.
– This assignment is assessed on the basis of the following assessment criteria: A threshold pass mark will be awarded to students whose coursework essays demonstrate a fair critical grasp of established sources, based on research (independent literature study) that is generally relevant to the essay question and addresses the key points it raises. Higher marks will be gained for work that not only reflects a thorough critical grasp of established sources but also shows evidence of original research, independent thinking and awareness of alternative approaches and their possible limitations and strengths.

• Data democracy and politics Not only the economy is increasingly impacted by data; also our society and how it is organised has changed massively under the rise of data. This week’s session particularly looks how digital citizenship has evolved in a datafied society but also how our democracy is changing because of the impact of big data, surveillance and computational politics. Data and algorithms create new opportunities for targeting voters but might also change and potentially harm democracy (some people call it a platformocracy). We will discuss different perspectives on data and politics to allow you to develop your own position in this debate. Essential reading:
• – Hintz, A., Dencik, L. & Wahl-Jorgensen, K. (2019): Digital citizenship in a datafied society. Cambridge: Polity (introduction)
• – Karpf, D. (2016): Analytical activism. Digital listening and the new political strategy. Oxford: Oxford University Press (chapters 1 and 2)
• – Tufekci, Z. (2014): Engineering the public: Big data, surveillance and computational politics. First Monday, 19(7), (https://journals.uic.edu/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/4901)