In today's digital societies, parenting is shaped by algorithms daily - in search engines, social media, kids' entertainment, the news and more. But how much are parents aware of the algorithms shaping their parenting and daily lives? How can they prepare for children's futures in a world dominated by data, algorithms, automation and AI?

This groundbreaking study of 30 English families sheds light on parents' hopes and fears, their experiences with algorithms in searching, sharing and consuming news and information, and their awareness and knowledge of algorithms at large.

Looking beyond tech skills and media panics, this book is an essential read for social scientists, policy-makers and general readers seeking to understand parenting in datafied societies.

About the Author
Ranjana Das is Professor in Media and Communication at the University of Surrey.

Reviews

"It's hard enough to bring up a child, but today's parents must also second-guess, and try to harness, the influence of the many algorithms that shape their access to information, news and social support. Delving into the everyday lives of diverse families, Ranjana Das shows how parents talking algorithms is linked to agency, anxiety and hopes for the future." Sonia Livingstone, London School of Economics and Digital Futures for Children Centre

"In this multifaceted analysis, Ranjana Das shows how parents work to broker, however imperfectly, between their children's needs and a present and future that are increasingly algorithmic. The importance of her intervention is deepened by her keen eye to the inequities parents are facing in integrating this aspect of the digital into their childrearing." Vikki Katz, Chapman University and Journal of Children and Media

Book Information
ISBN 9781529241020
Author Ranjana Das
Format Paperback
Page Count 240
Imprint Bristol University Press
Publisher Bristol University Press