5 Comments

Excellent analysis. However I'd caution against inconsistent use of the word algorithm. ;) For example, is it a tool, or is it an entity, or is it both. I felt you danced between both, and while that is how society currently treats the concept, it leads to vague writing (and policy). Is it the algorithms we should hold accountable or the people/companies who use these tools? Would we regulate the algorithms or would we regulate the people who use the algorithms? Or both? I'm getting my firearms license soon, an instance in which both the tool and the person using it are regulated? Algorithms certainly have been weaponized...

Expand full comment

Thanks Jesse!

Expand full comment

Agreed. There is one set of regulations around algorithms as a tool (e.g., what data should and should not be allowed? What metrics should algorithms be allowed to incentivize vs not?) and a separate set of regulations around firms and monopsony economics in general (e.g., what should middle-apps be allowed to charge? what rights do gig platform workers have?).

An important reason for this is that even non-monopolists use algorithms to drive decision-making.

Expand full comment

Yeah, it's a really rich area. I'm going to ignore that you sent me some sort of 101 video, though!

Expand full comment

Surprisingly, Hank Green (of youtube fame!) has a good video covering this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJtNmd1kV44

Expand full comment