Do Algorithms Care? is a collaboration between artist Amanda Bennetts and data scientist Johanna Einsiedler. The project, realized in an interactive installation that resembles a pristine tech store, offers a critical perspective on the commercialization of personal bio data harvested by devices such as smartwatches and in healthcare industries. Through the use of the duo’s DIY smartwatches and interactive data interface, they delve into the predictive potential of personal data and machine learning for well-being, inviting viewers to reconsider their relationship with data control and privacy.
This project manifests an Open Source philosophy, publicly sharing all code, smartwatch designs and processes to foster tech democratization and critique. It is accessible via: algorithmic.care.
Visitors encounter the smartwatch, sensor kits and interactive visual data from the study, sparking conversation about biometric data’s ethical and political stakes.
Bios
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Photo: Warwick GowAmanda Bennetts
AU
Amanda Bennetts is an Australian installation artist. Living with a neurological disease and a rare muscular disease, Bennetts harnesses her lived experience in order to critically explore illness and disability. Bennetts is an awarded artist and has exhibited extensively within her emerging career. Through her collaboration with data scientist Johanna Einsiedler, Bennetts critically explores how algorithms can improve an individual’s well-being and advocate for patient-driven technological development.
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Photo: Patrick MünnichJohanna Einsiedler
AT
Johanna Einsiedler is a PhD student in Social Data Science at the University of Copenhagen. Her primary area of research are applications of network science methods and machine learning algorithms in the social sciences. Through her collaboration with artist Amanda Bennetts she wants to explore if and how algorithms can be used to improve an individual’s well-being and advocate for more DIY technology development.
Credits
This work was initiated as part of the FOUNDING LAB program at IT:U and Ars Electronica in Linz, Austria (2023-2024). The FOUNDING LAB is realized as a Public Partnership between Ars Electronica GmbH and Co KG and the Institute of Digital Sciences (IT:U), Austria and financed through funds from the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research.
Amanda received support and funding from FutureNOW – an initiative of Sunshine Coast Council with support from Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) a partnership with Queensland Government and Sunshine Coast Council.
