Social networks as a model of algorithmic governance

Julio Cesar Lemes de Castro
1 min readSep 30, 2018

The typical way in which contemporary society, associated with neoliberalism, is managed can be characterized as algorithmic governance. Social networks like Facebook are taken as a model for the operation of this type of governance. To comprehend its dynamics, algorithmic governance is examined in three fundamental dimensions. The first is the relational dimension: the individual is fragmented in his digital traces, which are recombined in multiple relationships. From there, the vectorial dimension unfolds: these relationships are oriented, capturing trends and embedding projections about the future. Finally, this orientation originates the agential dimension, playing the roles of amplifying the affinities and containing the differences.

CASTRO, J. C. L. Social networks as a model of algorithmic governance. Matrizes, São Paulo (SP), v. 12, n. 2, p. 165–191, May/August 2018.

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Julio Cesar Lemes de Castro

Doutor em Comunicação e Semiótica (PUC-SP), com pós-doutorados em Psicologia Social (USP), Comunicação e Cultura (UFRJ) e Comunicação e Cultura (Uniso).