Series
Distinguished Speaker Series
The Cloud is a Factory: An Environmental History of Computing
Events Location
Open To
SMU Community, Public
Event Image
Synopsis
The figure above demonstrates the Müller-Lyer illusion, where equal-length lines appear different due to cognitive processing, illustrating how perceptions can mislead us – a key concept in Behavioural Economics. This field explores how psychological attributes affect economic decisions. Our lecture will first examine examples of how these attributes lead to seemingly irrational decisions. Then we will discuss leveraging an understanding of behavioural biases to subtly influence decision-making contexts, nudging individuals towards more desirable choices.
Speaker
Speaker Details
Nathan Ensmenger
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Nathan Ensmenger is Associate Professor of Informatics at the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering. His research focuses on the social and organizational issues related to software work and workers. His 2010 book The Computer Boys Take Over: Computers, Programmers, and the Politics of Technical Expertise traces the emergence of the "computer expert" as a major force in American corporate and government organizations. His research on the gendered nature of computer labour has helped frame contemporary discussions about women and work in Silicon Valley. He is one of the co-authors of the most recent edition of the popular Computer: A History of the Information Machine. He is currently working on a book exploring the global environmental history of the electronic digital computer. His work on AI ethics focuses on algorithmic bias, risk, and the future of work. |
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