Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy

Cathy O'Neil

Weapons of Math Destruction is a book by mathematician and data scientist Cathy O'Neil that explores the harmful impact of algorithms and big data on society. The book argues that algorithms, which were designed to use data to make objective decisions, often end up perpetuating inequality, reinforcing biases, and harming certain groups of people.

O'Neil argues that the use of big data and algorithms has increased inequality in areas such as education, employment, and criminal justice. For example, many algorithms used in the hiring process may unfairly discriminate against certain groups based on factors such as race, gender, or socioeconomic status.

The book also explores the impact of algorithms on democracy, arguing that the use of algorithms to create targeted political ads can manipulate public opinion and undermine democracy.

Overall, the book is a call to action for individuals, organizations, and policymakers to be more aware of the potential harm caused by algorithms and big data, and to take steps to ensure that these technologies are used ethically and responsibly.

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