The Shame Machine: Who Profits in the New Age of Humiliation

Mathematician and data scientist Cathy O’Neil explores the realities and dangers of social networking, the consequences of algorithm design, and defending human dignity in the context of predatory capitalism. Her bestselling book Weapons of Math Destruction was a semifinalist for the National Book Award, and her expertise was featured in the acclaimed documentary The Social Dilemma. Her new book, The Shame Machine, offers unparalleled insight about shame, its relationship to power, and how to cultivate dignity in an age of social media and hyper-partisan politics.

About the Speaker

Data skeptic and New York Times bestselling author Cathy O’Neil is a thought leader exploring the realities and dangers of social networking, the consequences of algorithm design, and defending human dignity in the context of predatory capitalism. A prolific voice in academia and the private sector, O’Neil is the New York Times bestselling author of Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy, which was a semifinalist for the National Book Award. She is also a columnist for Bloomberg Opinion, a renowned blogger, and her expertise was featured in the critically acclaimed documentary The Social Dilemma. O’Neill is the Founder of ORCAA, a consultancy providing algorithmic auditing services focused on safety, fairness, and principled use of data, and launched the Lede Program in Data Journalism at Columbia University. Her latest book, The Shame Machine: Who Profits in the New Age of Humiliation, investigates how shame functions as a tool across sectors including government, the healthcare system, and the wellness industry. With a mathematics Ph.D. and background in finance and AdTech startups, O’Neil offers unparalleled insight and analysis about the challenges that lie ahead for individuals and businesses in our increasingly algorithmic world. Learn more>> https://mathbabe.org/

Registration includes an at-home viewing option. 

Justice for All  Lead Sponsors: Marcy Carsey, Connie Frank & Evan Thompson, Zegar Family Foundation, and Anonymous

Presented in association with the
UCSB Center for Black Studies Research
Center for Information Technology and Society
Center for Responsible Machine Learning
Data Science Initiative, Department of Computer Science
Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences
Department of Statistics & Applied Probability