With big data comes big responsibility – what impact will the increasing datafication have on our lives and how can we ensure a socially just digital transformation? Join us on this blog as we explore and discuss these important topics, raising awareness on big tech’s role in development. Over the next couple of weeks, you will hear from us regularly through a series of interactive blog posts on issues ranging from data monopoly and personal integrity, the impact of digitalization on working conditions in the Global South, why particularly women should be concerned with the digital economy and how these topics are discussed in the digital world.

Let’s quickly introduce us – a team of five Communication for Development students who will guide and inform you on the world of big data.

Kristina I am excited to join this group and start a discussion on the important topics on development in the digital world to hopefully boost audience engagement and address challenging questions! I am going to focus on datafication, big data, its role, influence and power as well as data monopoly and users role in today`s rapidly changing tech environment. I am a client relationship manager who is working closely with digitalization and communications in a compliance world and helps companies do the right thing. Based in Denmark I have a mixed background and have traveled half of the world to try and build a deeper understanding of communication and development issues.

Jennyis a communication student and web admin for an organization (partner of UN’s Race to Zero project) dedicated to helping businesses reach the Net Zero goal. She is based in Sweden and has a bi-cultural background that facilitates her viewing and understanding of problems from different perspectives in various cultures. With this said, she will try to highlight cases from different parts of the world.

MajaHaving spent most of my career working with social media, I am constantly surprised by ways our data is being used and how our data is forming content that we see. From worrisome targeting options available to even small businesses (I don’t even want to think about options available to the big players) to how the algorithms work and what we might be missing due to them. That’s why my focus on this blog will be on algorithmic bias and data management. I am a marketing director with experience in graphic design and UX design and a background in communication and public relations. I am currently based in Norway after spending the last couple of years traveling the world and exploring different cultures.

Francisco – is a former member of the U.S. military who spent nearly a decade as a corporate hospitality executive before pursuing an education in technical/information systems management. Frank, originally from California, is now a communications student based in Berlin, Germany. With his extensive organizational experience, he intends to focus on injustice in emerging technologies and data systems, with concentration on virtual and augmented reality.

Annika – is a project coordinator and communications officer currently based in Nepal. Although she usually spends her work time coordinating EU projects in the Baltic Sea Region, Annika is using her parental leave to delve deeper into development and communication topics with a particular interest in digitalization and gender justice.

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