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Visions and values of algorithms : A study of how Elon Musk envisions X’s algorithms

Sagastume Muralles, Jorge LU (2024) MKVM13 20241
Media and Communication Studies
Department of Communication and Media
Abstract (Swedish)
Recent studies have shed light on how media platform justify their algorithms, highlighting characteristics such as efficiency or neutrality. However, while these contributions are significant, they still need to analyze how platform owners discuss algorithms. In this research I argue that we can gain insights into algorithms’ social power by exploring Elon Musk’s tweets about his media platform X. Through critical algorithm and platform studies I analyzed Musk's claims. The findings suggest three themes. The first is the expectation of algorithms, which explores the conditions that activate algorithms. Second, the enchantment of algorithms, which are the values that legitimize this technology. The third theme is algorithmic adversaries,... (More)
Recent studies have shed light on how media platform justify their algorithms, highlighting characteristics such as efficiency or neutrality. However, while these contributions are significant, they still need to analyze how platform owners discuss algorithms. In this research I argue that we can gain insights into algorithms’ social power by exploring Elon Musk’s tweets about his media platform X. Through critical algorithm and platform studies I analyzed Musk's claims. The findings suggest three themes. The first is the expectation of algorithms, which explores the conditions that activate algorithms. Second, the enchantment of algorithms, which are the values that legitimize this technology. The third theme is algorithmic adversaries, Musk’s accusations against actors that can challenge his interpretation of algorithms. The results show how Musk, by normalizing algorithms, promote the value of competition. Also, it shows the multiple values that Musk uses to celebrate this technology. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Sagastume Muralles, Jorge LU
supervisor
organization
course
MKVM13 20241
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Algorithms, notion of algorithms, Elon Musk, platforms, technology, values
language
English
id
9151492
date added to LUP
2024-06-17 15:34:35
date last changed
2024-06-17 15:34:35
@misc{9151492,
  abstract     = {{Recent studies have shed light on how media platform justify their algorithms, highlighting characteristics such as efficiency or neutrality. However, while these contributions are significant, they still need to analyze how platform owners discuss algorithms. In this research I argue that we can gain insights into algorithms’ social power by exploring Elon Musk’s tweets about his media platform X. Through critical algorithm and platform studies I analyzed Musk's claims. The findings suggest three themes. The first is the expectation of algorithms, which explores the conditions that activate algorithms. Second, the enchantment of algorithms, which are the values that legitimize this technology. The third theme is algorithmic adversaries, Musk’s accusations against actors that can challenge his interpretation of algorithms. The results show how Musk, by normalizing algorithms, promote the value of competition. Also, it shows the multiple values that Musk uses to celebrate this technology.}},
  author       = {{Sagastume Muralles, Jorge}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Visions and values of algorithms : A study of how Elon Musk envisions X’s algorithms}},
  year         = {{2024}},
}