The data subject and the myth of the 'black box' data communication and critical data literacy as a resistant practice to platform exploitation

• Published in: Information, communication & society Vol. 27; no. 2; pp. 333 - 349
• Main Authors: Nguyen, Dennis, Beijnon, Bjorn
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Routledge 25.01.2024; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Algorithms; Appropriations; Big Tech; Black boxes; Boxing; Colonization; Communication; Companies; critical data literacy; Data; Data communication; data identities; data practices; Ethical standards; Ethics; Exploitation; Information literacy; Interfaces; Literacy; Metaphor; Platforms; Resilience; Trade

This conceptual paper explores the role of communication around data practices of Big Tech companies. By critiquing communication practices, we argue that Big Tech platforms shape users into data subjects through framing, influencing behaviour, and the black-boxing of algorithms. We approach communi...