Algorithms of Oppression – How Search Engines Reinforce Racism

This book was published in February 2018, but had a big impact throughout 2019. It explores the ways in which search engine bias discriminates against those of colour, certain races and women.   An insightful book – it reminds us that simple technologies like search engines or social media, are rarely “neutral” devices. Their design and use has consequences. Given the age in which we live – an age of “alternative facts”, “questionable truths”, abandonment of science – the way in which we ask students to use technology has consequences for their understanding of the world.   This is a very important book which has implications for what we ask students to do.