Networks and platforms

Sociology and technology and possible future developments 12 January - 8 April 2021

​​Networks are taking on more and more importance in the global economy. Technological developments often revolve around platforms that act as intermediaries for dialogue and exchange.  The pandemic that marked 2020 has accelerated these processes, transforming technology into an increasingly central form of mediation in our social relations. In this series we take a look at the line between sociology and technology as we try to understand the main characteristics and intersections between these two phenomena and their possible future developments.

With Associazione Tempora. ​​

The value of relationships

• Tuesday 12 January 2021 at 18:30 - 19:30

Reflections on the inadequacy of the current development model and on alternative paradigms, starting with that of sustainability, offer us an opportunity to rethink the very process of value generation. This reflection begins with the concepts of solidarity and equality. What role could social networks and their human value play in the evolving world?

With **Francesco Morace**

How do algorithms decide?

• Wednesday 10 February 2021 at 18:30 - 19:30

The evolution of artificial intelligence and algorithms is one of the most important sectors of technological development in recent decades. Predictive algorithms process huge quantities of data to operate and make decisions in increasingly diverse and numerous sectors. What logic lies behind the function of these algorithms? How do they make decisions? How can their function be monitored? What social consequences may arise from this digitalisation of society?

With **Elena Esposito**

Click-slaves

• Thursday 8 April 2021 at 18:30 - 19:30

Artificial intelligence exists because of the work of millions of disenfranchised people. In a society shaped by the giants of the Internet and platform capitalism, work has not disappeared but has been digitised. This has led to new forms of exploitation involving not only 'click-slaves' but also consumers. How do we expose this new exploitation? And how do we go about overcoming it?

With **Antonio A. Casilli**