In the world of technology, there is often a focus on innovation, advancement, and the latest gadgets. However, behind the scenes, there is a significant amount of invisible labor that goes into creating, maintaining, and supporting these technological wonders. Books that shed light on the hidden work behind technology are essential in understanding the complexities and challenges faced by those responsible for making it all happen. Here are five books that focus on the invisible labor behind technology:
1. “Behind the Screen: Content Moderation in the Shadows of Social Media” by Sarah T. Roberts
In this eye-opening book, Sarah T. Roberts explores the often overlooked work of content moderation on social media platforms. She delves into the world of the invisible workforce responsible for monitoring and regulating online content, highlighting the emotional toll, ethical dilemmas, and labor rights issues faced by these workers. “Behind the Screen” provides a compelling look at the hidden labor that keeps social media platforms running smoothly.
2. “Ghost Work: How to Stop Silicon Valley from Building a New Global Underclass” by Mary L. Gray and Siddharth Suri
Mary L. Gray and Siddharth Suri shed light on the world of “ghost work,” the invisible labor performed by crowdsourced workers around the world to power digital platforms and AI systems. They explore the impact of this hidden workforce on the future of work, raising important questions about labor rights, exploitation, and the ethical implications of relying on invisible workers to drive technological innovation.
3. “Disruptive Fixation: School Reform and the Pitfalls of Techno-Idealism” by Christo Sims
In “Disruptive Fixation,” Christo Sims examines the role of technology in school reform efforts and the invisible labor involved in implementing digital tools in educational settings. Sims critiques the techno-idealism that often accompanies efforts to introduce technology into schools, highlighting the challenges faced by teachers, administrators, and students in navigating the complexities of digital learning environments.
4. “Programmed Inequality: How Britain Discarded Women Technologists and Lost Its Edge in Computing” by Marie Hicks
Marie Hicks uncovers the hidden history of women technologists in Britain who were pushed out of the computing industry in the mid-20th century. “Programmed Inequality” explores the gendered dynamics of technological labor and the systemic barriers that prevented women from fully participating in the development of computing technologies. Hicks’ research sheds light on the invisible contributions of women to the field of computing and the consequences of their exclusion.
5. “The Stack: On Software and Sovereignty” by Benjamin H. Bratton
Benjamin H. Bratton’s “The Stack” offers a comprehensive examination of the invisible infrastructures that underpin our digital world. Bratton explores the complex interplay between software, data, algorithms, and governance, revealing the hidden systems that shape our interactions with technology. “The Stack” challenges readers to rethink their understanding of technology and power in the digital age, highlighting the invisible forces at play behind the scenes.
These books provide valuable insights into the invisible labor behind technology, offering a critical perspective on the hidden work that sustains our digital world. By exploring the challenges, complexities, and ethical implications of technological labor, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the human cost of innovation and the importance of valuing the contributions of those who make it all possible.