Knowing in Algorithmic Regimes: Insight...

This paper reports on a roundtable discussion that reflected upon theanalytically productive moments of working with the concept of “algorithmic regimes”when studying the methodological, epistemological and political implications of the riseof algorithms in and for knowledge production, sense making and decision-making incontemporary societies. Focusing on knowledge and knowing, the concept of“algorithmic regimes” draws our attention beyond the mere technical nature of algorithmsby acknowledging the complex and partly ambiguous entanglements of algorithmicsystems as material-semiotic apparatuses with social, political, cultural and economicelements of society. Examples from our own research demonstrate the versatility of theconcept of “algorithmic regimes” for studying (1) the methods to research and design(better) algorithmic systems, (2) the ways interactions become re-configured withinalgorithmic regimes and (3) the politics ingrained in algorithmic regimes. Analysingalgorithmic regimes can then provide understanding for shaping desirable sociotechnicalfutures.