José Luiz Braga 336 ric. The automatic aspect of the interactional digital algorithm promises – technically – to reduce the human effort to increase its efficiency and obtain range and precision, which can be ef- fectively valuable for society. However, there are also criticisms regarding the ethical and political aspects of the algorithm, including concerns about the lack of transparency regarding objectives and criteria, as well as deviations in results.We are aware of cases of algorithms that, without the foresight of their programmers, produce racist selections. Others, intentionally, facilitate the promotion of fake news. The digital algorithm has a strong impact and unpredict- able consequences on the ways in which society generates varia- tions and makes selections – on culture, therefore. In this section, we will systematize some of the com- munication-related challenges brought about by the logic of digital algorithms, which involve risks to diversity and diversification – interactional qualities of the human species that are fundamental requirements for its survival. a) Selection process for data collection based on a priori criteria and categories An interactional digital algorithm is a system for capturing data – based on the social and individual categories inscribed in its development. This capture system calls for questioni T n h g e . dimensions that can characterize a human being, their insertion in society, their background and their preferenc- es, are varied – and diversely relevant, depending on the speci- ficity of their composition and their contexts. But the indicators (chosen in advance) that the algorithm uses to define the dimen- sions and characterize their variations simplify – if not distort – what the actually observed dimension is. Such distortions can be intentional, in the service of business interests; and even when made in good faith, they can have unpredictable consequences. There is no public deliberation, no prior explanation of the objectives that lead to such choices – the decision is unilater- al, made by the developers and their contractors. The non-trans- parent selection of these dimensions (and their indicators), to
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