Social networks as a model of algorithmic governance

Julio Cesar Lemes de Castro (1)

1 USP - Universidade de São Paulo = University of São Paulo

The typical way in which contemporary society, associated with neoliberalism, is managed can be characterized as algorithmic governance. Social networks like Facebook are taken as a model for the operation of this type of governance. To comprehend its dynamics, algorithmic governance is examined in three fundamental dimensions. The first is the relational dimension: the individual is fragmented in his digital traces, which are recombined in multiple relationships. From there, the vectorial dimension unfolds: these relationships are oriented, capturing trends and embedding projections about the future. Finally, this orientation originates the agential dimension, playing the roles of amplifying the affinities and containing the differences.

Mots clés: social networks; Facebook; algorithmic governance; algorithms; neoliberalism; social networks

Domaines: Sciences de l'Homme et Société; Psychologie; Science politique

Julio Cesar Lemes de Castro. Social networks as a model of algorithmic governance. MATRIZes, 2018, 12 (2), pp.165-191. ⟨10.11606/issn.1982-8160.v12i2p165-191⟩. ⟨hal-03226067⟩