Algorithms and Their Work: A Performativity Perspective

Algorithms are becoming increasingly prominent. More and more aspects of our everyday lives are being mediated, produced and directed by digital artefacts and connected systems which in turn are powered by algorithms. In this paper, we engage with algorithms and their performative aspects during development, implementation, and performances in the world. Based on theorizing, we develop an algorithmic perspective of performativity which centres on how algorithms evolve from initially being shaped to becoming those who shapes. Our proposed research opportunities address pressing conditions where the presented framework can prove beneficial as a conceptual device