“Big data” is a concept that is often touted as the solution to many problems. Cathy O’Neil’s book, “Weapons of Math Destruction“, takes a more contrarian approach and argues that “big data” is the cause of many problems. She describes how algorithms play a role in creating disparities in criminal justice, hiring practices, insurance, predatory advertising (especially for profit universities), credit ratings, politics (the book was released before the 2016 election) and a number of other examples.
While I do recommend this book, there are some key gaps. This book is definitely not a primer on big data. I had hoped for more technical details about how the algorithms she critiques are implemented and hopefully how they could be improved. I also think that, despite the important problems she raises, “big data” should not be demonized. With continued improvements, the appropriate use of big data and algorithms presents new opportunities for positive change. Clearly O’neil’s intent is to provide a counterbalance to the hype of “big data”. Given the abundance of glowing books on the topic, there is definitely a need for a well written book about the risks of algorithms. Hopefully her contribution will help policy makers correct the risks without stepping away from the opportunities.
