To what extent has a lack of diversity influenced the development of the internet? How does this lack of diversity harm societies and individuals?
“she invented – Google Search” by miss_rogue is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
This image represents the biased algorithm within Google Search that assumes males are more likely to invent something than females, demonstrating the continuing historical effects of Internet creators being predominantly white males. This is harmful to non-males (females, female-identifying individuals, and non-binary individuals), as search engines with algorithms such as these place those individuals on a backstep prior to any action or behaviours.
“Activate” by eviloars is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
The lack of media coverage and interest in people living with a disability is another harmful outcome that has been ingrained in the internet since its creation. There is a crucial need for further representation of people living with a disability on the internet, whether that be within decision-making teams, or groups that regulate online content. The online societies lack knowledge and understanding of people living with a disability, and this can be strongly linked with their lack of representation in the online world.
