Ariel D. Wigdor

Bio: Ariel D. Wigdor is an academic researcher from University of Massachusetts Amherst. The author has contributed to research in topics: Production (economics) & Ideal (set theory). The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 6 publications receiving 22 citations.

Giving Voice to the Voiceless: The Use of Digital Technologies by Marginalized Groups

Abstract: This paper reports on a workshop hosted at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in September, 2018. The workshop, called “Giving Voice to the Voiceless: The Use of Digital Technologies by Marginalized Groups”, focused on discussing how marginalized groups use digital technologies to raise their voices. At the workshop, a diverse group of scholars and doctoral students presented research projects and perspectives on the role that digital technologies have in activist projects that represent marginalized groups that have gained momentum in the last few years. The studies and viewpoints presented shed light on four areas in which IS research can expand our understanding about how marginalized groups use digital technologies to address societal challenges: 1) the rise of cyberactivism, 2) resource mobilization for cyberactivism, 3) cyberactivism by and with marginalized groups, and 4) research methods for examining how marginalized groups use digital technologies.

The Gender Bias Tug-of-War in a Co-creation Community: Core-Periphery Tension on Wikipedia

Abstract: Commitment to a neutral point of view is a pillar of Wikipedia culture. Despite a strong culture, the open nature of the community presents challenges for cultural assimilation. Central contributor...

A Review of Knowledge Contribution Measurement in Online Communities

Abstract: Scholars have long studied the genesis of knowledge in organizations and communities. These entities are increasingly being superseded by virtual counterparts, leading to the emergence of online communities. While the information systems (IS) literature covers many aspects of how and why online community members contribute knowledge, less attention has been paid to the nature and rigor of its measurement. In response, this study reviews the empirical literature on knowledge contribution in online communities with the aim of assessing the current state of its measurement. Insights into direct and indirect measurement approaches are evaluated and three primary categories of measures are identified—volume, quality, and other. A typology of online communities is proposed to investigate measurement differences between community types. We find evidence that different theoretical perspectives inform measurement in different types of online communities. The paper concludes by outlining limitations and future research directions.

Cyberactivism: Online Activism in Theory and Practice

Abstract: What do you do to start reading Cyberactivism Online Activism In Theory And Practice? Searching the book that you love to read first or find an interesting book that will make you want to read? Everybody has difference with their reason of reading a book. Actuary, reading habit must be from earlier. Many people may be love to read, but not a book. It's not fault. Someone will be bored to open the thick book with small words to read. In more, this is the real condition. So do happen probably with this Cyberactivism Online Activism In Theory And Practice.

The Rise of Human Machines: How Cognitive Computing Systems Challenge Assumptions of User-System Interaction

Abstract: Cognitive computing systems (CCS) are a new class of computing systems that implement more human-like cognitive abilities. CCS are not a typical technological advancement but an unprecedented advance toward human-like systems fueled by artificial intelligence. Such systems can adapt to situations, perceive their environments, and interact with humans and other technologies. Due to these properties, CCS are already disrupting established industries, such as retail, insurance, and healthcare. As we make the case in this paper, the increasingly human-like capabilities of CCS challenge five fundamental assumptions that we as IS researchers have held about how users interact with IT artifacts. These assumptions pertain to (1) the direction of the user-artifact relationship, (2) the artifact’s awareness of its environment, (3) functional transparency, (4) reliability, and (5) the user’s awareness of artifact use. We argue that the disruption of these five assumptions limits the applicability of our extant body of knowledge to CCS. Consequently, CCS present a unique opportunity for novel theory development and associated contributions. We argue that IS is well positioned to take this opportunity and present research questions that, if answered, will lead to interesting, influential, and original theories.

The CARE Theory of Dignity Amid Personal Data Digitalization

Abstract: With the rapidly evolving permeation of digital technologies into everyday human life, we are witnessing an era of personal data digitalization. Personal data digitalization refers to the sociotechnical encounters associated with the digitization of personal data for use in digital technologies. Personal data digitalization is being applied to central attributes of human life -health, cognition, and emotion – with the purported aim of helping individuals live longer, healthier lives endowed with the requisite cognition and emotion for responding to life situations and other people in a manner that enables human flourishing. A concern taking hold in manifold fields ranging from IT, bioethics, and law, to philosophy and religion is that as personal data digitalization permeates ever more areas of human existence, humans risk becoming artifacts of technology production. This concern brings to center stage the very notion of what it means to be human, a notion encapsulated in the term human dignity, which broadly refers to the recognition that human beings possess intrinsic value and, as such, are endowed with certain rights and should be treated with respect. In this paper, we identify, describe, and transform what we know about personal data digitalization into a higher order theoretical structure around the concept of human dignity. The result of our analysis is the CARE (Claims, Affronts, Response, Equilibrium) theory of dignity amid personal data digitalization, a theory that explains the relationship of personal data digitalization to human dignity. Building upon the CARE theory as a foundation, researchers in a variety of IS research streams could develop mid-range theories for empirical testing or could use the CARE theory as an overarching lens for interpreting emerging IS phenomena. Practitioners and government agencies can also use the CARE theory to understand the opportunities and risks of personal data digitalization and to develop policies and systems that respect the dignity of employees and citizens.