The Trouble with Dogfood: Towards a Theory of Mutuality in Computing

Abstract: This talk draws on Mary L. Gray’s current book project to ask: If computing begins with an idea, a rough sketch of something possible, it also triggers connecting to an imagined self and others. Friends in code may then share something they’ve built and circulate it among those willing to give it a try. But what happens when this gesture of friendly experimentation shifts to something less generous—a power move that pushes technologies to scale through imposition? The talk traces the history and tacit theory of power embedded in the practice of ‘dogfooding’ to argue for the need to develop an explicit analysis of power in computing. Using the case of building software with community healthcare workers, Gray will map out an alternate route to building sociotechnical systems, outlining what anti-racist, queer feminist critiques can offer computing as a different path forward for the future of socially-accountable tech.

Zoom Registration Link:  https://harvard.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAsdO6oqT0sHNFkJYP5LkAjBdbiefNcY6UX