The search engine Google uses over two hundred variables and parameters to rank the relevance of your search results. A message (‘tweet’) sent via Twitter is limited to just 140 characters. Facebook allows users to sum up their relationship status in one of three categories: single, in a relationship or the cryptic “it’s complicated!”. There are websites which advise users how to vote, having distilled all the party manifestoes down to just thirty key questions. LinkedIn, Twitter and various dating sites advise on potential ‘matches’ based on similarities between users’ profiles or overlap in their networks.
Intimate software: between convenience and control
Software facilitates communication and can make life easier for the user. But it can also be prescriptive; it forces us to make certain choices, sometimes doing so in an obvious manner but often rather more covertly. In other words, software is not neutral. It exerts control over the user. How does software try to influence our thoughts and actions of the user? What interests are at stake?
The Rathenau Institute wishes to reveal how web-based software attempts to ‘control’ us. We are therefore conducting a study in which the internet usage of both everyday ‘surfers’ and IT experts is being monitored over time. The project will culminate in the publication of a book presenting the experts’ findings. The results will also ensure that the government has adequate information about society’s views on convenience versus control, and about the role of government regulation.
Awareness
The main aim of the project is to create awareness among the users of online services. They will be encouraged to form their own opinion of those services, perhaps organizing opposition to the less desirable elements or discontinuing their use altogether. The project’s online products will be presented and discussed using the very social media which form the focus of the project itself. This research topic is very much in keeping with the theme of our anniversary year, 'Dichterbij' (Closer together)
