#DigitalInequality

[kristynguyen7]

Blog Post #2 - Week 3 (due 2/6)

Cyberfeminism, Technology, and Digital Inequality

Does cyberfeminism help fight gender and racial inequality online, or does it sometimes reinforce these inequalities? 

Cyberfeminism aims to create online spaces for gender equality, but it can also overlook racial differences. Some cyberfeminist ideas assume a white, middle class perspective, leaving out the voices of women of color. Fernandez and Wildling note that much of cyberfeminist writing is targeted toward an “educated, white, upper-middle-class, English-speaking” audience, which can unintentionally exclude others (Daniels, 2009, p. 104). This highlights the need for a more inclusive approach that considers race, class, and access to technology. Additionally, digital activism led by women of color often operates outside mainstream cyberfeminist discourse, reflecting a broader need for intersectionality. While some platforms provide opportunities for marginalized voices, others replicate offline hierarchies, limiting real progress. By expanding cyberfeminism to actively address these exclusion, the movement can become more effective in advocating for digital equity. 

Can people truly escape gender and racial identity online, or do digital spaces still reflect real-world inequalities? 

Some early cyberfeminists believed that the internet allowed people to leave behind gender and racial identities. However, research shows that digital spaces often reflect real world inequalities. Daniels explains that instead of changing identities online, people “actively seek out online spaces that affirm and solidify social identities along with axes of race, gender, and sexuality” (Daniels, 2009, p. 110). Additionally, many online platforms use algorithms that reinforce existing biases, making marginalized identities more visible and subject to scrutiny. While some individuals may feel a sense of anonymity, structural inequalities persist in the ways people interact, build networks, and gain access to digital resources. 

How do cyberfeminist practices differ in the Global North and Global South, and what challenges do women in developing nations face when engaging with digital technologies? 

Cyberfeminist practices vary significantly between the Global North and Global South due to differences in economic resources, access to technology, and sociopolitical contexts. In industrialized nations, cyberfeminism often focuses on online activism, digital art, and gender representation in media. In contrast, women in developing nations frequently use digital technology as a tool for survival, resistance, and economic empowerment. Daniels highlights that “while it is true that many affluent women in the global North have ‘depressingly familiar’ practices when it comes to the Internet, this sort of sweeping generalization suggest a lack of awareness about the innovative ways women are using digital technologies to re-engineer their lives” (Daniels, 2009, p. 103). However, barriers such as limited internet access, censorship, and economic inequality continue to restrict their engagement. Addressing these disparities requires cyberfeminist movements to integrate global perspectives and advocate for digital inclusivity on a broader scale. 

How do race and technology intersect to perpetuate systemic biases in digital spaces, and what can be done to address these issues? 

Nicole Brown discusses how racial biases are embedded in technology, from facial recognition software to algorithmic decision making. These technologies often reinforce systemic inequalities rather than eliminate them. Brown highlights that “facial recognition software has been proven to misidentify Black and Brown individuals at significantly higher rates than white individuals, leading to real world consequences such as wrongful arrests and surveillance” (Brown, 2023). Addressing these issues requires greater accountability in tech development, including diverse representation in AI design, policy changes to regulate biased technologies, and increased advocacy for ethical digital practices. By critically examining the intersection of race and technology, we can work toward creating digital spaces that are equitable for all users. 

How does automation in public services contribute to inequality, and what are its impacts on marginalized communities? 

Virginia Eubanks argues that automation in public services disproportionately harms low-income and marginalized communities by making access to essential resources more difficult. Automated decision-making systems in welfare programs, housing assistance, and healthcare often reinforce pre-existing biases, leading to further exclusion. Eubanks notes that “they are shaped by our nation’s fear of economic insecurity and hatred of the poor; they in turn shape the politics and experience of poverty” (Eubanks, 2018, p.7). These technologies strip people of their autonomy and create barriers rather than solutions. To address this issue, we must push for transparency in algorithmic decision-making and ensure that automated systems are designed with fairness and social justice in mind. 

Word Count: 603

Daniels , J. (2009). Rethinking cyberfeminism(s): Race, gender, and embodiment | request PDF. Project Muse . https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236786509_Rethinking_Cyberfeminisms_Race_Gender_and_Embodiment 

Eubanks, V. (2018). (PDF) Virginia Eubanks (2018) automating inequality: How high-tech tools profile, police, and punish the poor. New York: Picador, St Martin’s press. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/337578410_Virginia_Eubanks_2018_Automating_Inequality_How_High-Tech_Tools_Profile_Police_and_Punish_the_Poor_New_York_Picador_St_Martin’s_Press 

[Nicole Brown]. (2020, September 18). Race and Technology [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8uiAjigKy8

[perspectiveunbound]

Harnessing Technology: A Catalyst for Economic Freedom

The Interplay of Technology and Economic Freedom Hello, dear followers! Today, I want to delve into the critical relationship between technology and economic freedom, and how this interplay is reshaping our societies. As the Fourth Industrial Revolution unfolds, the impact of technological advancements on economic systems is becoming increasingly profound, influencing everything from job creation to individual liberties. Technological innovation has the potential to empower individuals and businesses alike. In an era characterised by rapid digitalisation, a greater number of people have access to information and tools that enable them to create, innovate, and engage in entrepreneurial activities. This surge of creativity is a hallmark of economic freedom, as it allows individuals to pursue their passions without the constraints traditionally imposed by economic systems. In Scotland, we are seeing exciting developments in the tech sector, where startups are leveraging new technologies to disrupt established industries. From fintech to renewable energy solutions, entrepreneurs are harnessing digital tools to provide value and services that were unimaginable just a few years ago. This dynamism not only stimulates economic growth but also fosters a culture of innovation that can enhance national competitiveness. However, the relationship between technology and economic freedom is not without its challenges. Issues such as digital inequality and data privacy must be addressed to ensure that the benefits of technological advancements are widely shared. Policymakers must create a regulatory environment that protects individuals while also allowing for innovation to flourish. This delicate balance is crucial for fostering a resilient and equitable economy. Furthermore, as we embrace new technologies, it’s essential to consider their ethical implications. Critical thinking and open discourse are necessary to navigate the complexities that arise from breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, automation, and other disruptive technologies. Engaging various stakeholders—including businesses, civil society, and academia—can help ensure that technology serves the common good. As we reflect on these themes, I invite you to share your thoughts. How do you see technology influencing economic freedom in your community? What technological innovations have you encountered that exemplify this relationship? Your insights are invaluable as we explore how the intersection of technology and economic freedom shapes our present and future. Please share your thoughts in the comments below! Stay engaged and continue to champion the principles of economic freedom and innovation! Warm regards, Alastair Majury *Perspectives Unbound* --- *Follow Alastair Majury for further discussions on technology, economic freedom, and the principles that drive transformative change in society.*

[freeglehertford]

A tweet

thisisfreegle: RT EdinRemakery: Another batch of IT equipment out the door & winging its way to people in need across the city! These 5 laptops & 4 PCs are heading off to BridgendFarmhse to reduce #digitalinequalities & ensure people can stay connected, engaged & involved in…

— FreegleHertford (@freeglehertford) June 21, 2020

[the-compiler]

Information Geographies and Geographies of Information

by Mark Graham, from the Oxford Internet Institute 

We’ve long been a fan of Mark’s work looking at digital information inequalities and “knowledge economies”. This paper, an earlier and shorter version of a similarly themed piece, highlights the relationship between information geographies and geographies of information - as Graham identifies, the former being “a way of signifying concern about the augmented or saturated nature of places with information”, in comparison to the latter, “the geographic distribution of information.” He focuses on three categories of information: geographies of access and enablement, geographies of participation, and geographies of representation, and uses analysis of data on contributions to Wikipedia and Wikivoyage to highlight inequalities in digital information.

Human geographies are infused with information. Information is created, processed, and used in places. It is stored in places, moves across places, and ultimately annotates and augments places.

Download the paper here