peek into the discursive construction of the Google Search Algorithm: A critical discourse analysis

PDF Publication Title:

peek into the discursive construction of the Google Search Algorithm: A critical discourse analysis ( peek-into-discursive-construction-google-search-algorithm-cr )

Previous Page View | Next Page View | Return to Search List

Text from PDF Page: 007

Summary Algorithms are increasingly interwoven with our daily lives. They are everywhere; yet, they are often invisible. Many people are not aware (of the extent) that algorithms decide what to show and what not to show on their Facebook feeds; or that prices for an overnight stay may depend on which browser is used to look for accommodations. While daily life is saturated with algorithms, just few people have access to its actual codes, enabling them to glimpse into or influence what it does and why. Yet, there seems a consensus that algorithmic opacity might lead to unequal power distribution and abuse of power. This thesis outlines current discussions on search algorithms that address possible implications of algorithmic opacity, such as: bias, discrimination, transparency, (other) concepts that are related with power, and the position of the (cultural) sciences in this field. This framework renders a context for the research of this thesis, which attempts to identify how the Google Search algorithm is discursively constructed by Google and how this discursive construction may reflect power relations between this powerful software giant and its users. Both quantitative and qualitative methods of critical discourse analysis were used to study Google’s statements about Google as a company and its search products. It was found that Google’s statements were often contradictory: explicit statements were undermined by linguistic structures and specific uses of words that contradicted explicit utterances. Moreover, Google uses words such as ‘natural’ to make their products and processes more agreeable, while mitigating language is used when negative aspects of Google’s search algorithm were mentioned. Lastly, it was found that some topics were completely absent from the Google’s discourse, such as bias, discrimination, algorithmic transparency and ethics, which are topics that are deemed important by academics. This thesis closes with remarks of the difficulty of researching algorithms due to its complex networked system and suggestions for further research. 7

PDF Image | peek into the discursive construction of the Google Search Algorithm: A critical discourse analysis

PDF Search Title:

peek into the discursive construction of the Google Search Algorithm: A critical discourse analysis

Original File Name Searched:

thesis-google-search-algotithm.pdf

DIY PDF Search: Google It | Yahoo | Bing

Cruise Ship Reviews | Luxury Resort | Jet | Yacht | and Travel Tech More Info

Cruising Review Topics and Articles More Info

Software based on Filemaker for the travel industry More Info

The Burgenstock Resort: Reviews on CruisingReview website... More Info

Resort Reviews: World Class resorts... More Info

The Riffelalp Resort: Reviews on CruisingReview website... More Info

CONTACT TEL: 608-238-6001 Email: greg@cruisingreview.com (Standard Web Page)