Local Disturbances - Shorts #29 - Representing Algorithmic Systems (pt. 1)

In this episode, we dive deep into the exploration of sociotechnical systems through creative and novelistic approaches. We reflect on the various invisible and visible forces that shape our perceptions and interactions with the world, touching on themes from Fernando Pessoa’s critique of social fictions to C. Thi Nguyen's concept of "agential distance," which examines the constraints imposed on us by societal systems. The episode also addresses the impact of algorithmic systems, like automated cash registers and transit systems, on our daily lives and social interactions, showcasing both the advantages and the isolating effects of these technologies. A significant portion of the discussion is devoted to the potential of literature, specifically novels, to provide a richer, more nuanced understanding of sociotechnical systems. We cite examples from classic and contemporary literature, including Cervantes's "Don Quixote" and Kazuo Ishiguro's "Klara and the Sun," to illustrate how novels can create immersive worlds that reflect and interrogate our lived realities. Finally, we outline an approach for future research funded by the Canada Council for the Arts, aiming to use novelistic insights to frame and understand artificial intelligence and other cognitive technologies. This approach seeks to foster a broader, more inclusive dialogue about technology's role in society, beyond conventional ideological narratives. Produced by Kasra Goodarznezhad Sound by Koohyar Habibi Words by Jerrold McGrath