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ignimbrite's review against another edition
Okay, I thought this was an interesting book, but I'm really curious (and kind of disturbed) about why my very banal status updates regarding this book - and only this book - have been getting a ton of "likes" by people I don't know. Why have so many strangers liked that I added this to my "Want to Read" list, or that I added it to my "Currently Reading" list, or that I listed it as "Read" but did not rate it or give it a review? (And still, over a month after I finished the book?) WHY ARE SO MANY BOTS INTERESTED IN MY READING OF A BOOK ABOUT THE DYSTOPIAN INTENTIONS AND IMPACTS OF AUTOMATED SOCIAL SERVICES? Has anyone else noticed this? It's really creeping me out...
vurawnica's review
5.0
super interesting insight into the history of public programs in the US and how they've developed into what they are now. it's crazy how bad the systems are today because they were built up from such a horrible foundation rooted in racism and classism. the book doesn't get very technical, but more provides a history and overview of how the programs function now along with interviews with people who work for or use the programs, and how the current "solutions" and automations have negatively affected people. technology isn't unbiased because it is created by humans, and despite our biases we have more ability to understand context when dealing with complicated situations and be self-aware of what biases we hold.
benrogerswpg's review
5.0
This was an extremely good book on inequality, algorithms, and social assistance.
Very important read and very appropriate read for me.
I got a lot out of this book.
An amazing companion book to the book, [b:The Divide: American Injustice in the Age of the Wealth Gap|17834864|The Divide American Injustice in the Age of the Wealth Gap|Matt Taibbi|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1403165815l/17834864._SY75_.jpg|24955022].
I highly recommend this book.
4.9/5
Very important read and very appropriate read for me.
I got a lot out of this book.
An amazing companion book to the book, [b:The Divide: American Injustice in the Age of the Wealth Gap|17834864|The Divide American Injustice in the Age of the Wealth Gap|Matt Taibbi|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1403165815l/17834864._SY75_.jpg|24955022].
I highly recommend this book.
4.9/5
laynescherer's review
5.0
A remarkable ethnography detailing the human cost of automation done with the intent to “increase efficiency.”
crescent_moon22's review against another edition
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.5
Eubanks talks through the history of poverty in America starting from poor houses. She then goes into automation and focuses on the automation study in Indiana. There were many things that I did not know about how big data criminalizes the poor. In accepting help and programs you add to your risk score which can lead to getting your children taken away from you. This book is essential as we move into a more automated era with technology.