Introduction to ‘Digital reflection’

The widespread digitalisation of society also impacts UCPH’s various disciplines and the functions and tasks you will have to perform as a graduate. As a student at UCPH, it is therefore important that you are aware of some of the consequences and dilemmas of digitalisation, for individuals and for society as a whole.

This module introduces a critical approach to data, digitalisation and digital technologies. The goal is for you to be able to reflect on the opportunities digitalisation offers, as well as the challenges associated with the extensive digitalisation of society. You must be able to discuss what digitalisation means for individuals, the role of professionals, social institutions, social communities and the market, and to contribute to relevant discussions of the ethical implications of digitalisation and its significance in a digitalised society. In the lessons under the ‘Digital reflection’ topic, you will therefore acquire basic knowledge of the most relevant concepts and be recommended further reading on the topic.

The ‘Digital reflection’ module consists of five lessons which are linked, but can also be taken individually:

Digitalisation of society
The internet as infrastructure
Using digital data to produce knowledge
When algorithms decide
Ethical dilemmas of digitalisation

Reflection questions

What is the significance of digitalisation for academic expertise in a digital society?
Which ethical questions does digitalisation raise in different academic, societal and personal contexts?
What are the intended and unintended consequences of the large-scale digitalisation of society?
Which market mechanisms regulate and drive digitalisation?
What impact does digitalisation have on individuals with reference to the ethical issues?
What are the disadvantages of automated decision-making processes and algorithmic curation of information?
In what ways should I be critical of the use of algorithmic systems in various contexts?