Book: Co-Intelligence – Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy by Cathy O’Neil

Weapons of Math Destruction by Cathy O’Neil explores how big data and algorithms, often seen as objective and fair, can actually reinforce inequality and harm society.

O’Neil argues that many of the mathematical models used to make important decisions—such as who gets hired, approved for loans, targeted by police, or evaluated as a teacher—are opaque, unregulated, and built on flawed assumptions. Because these systems operate at massive scale and are difficult to challenge, their mistakes disproportionately affect poor and marginalized communities while benefiting those already in power.

Through real-world examples, the book shows how bias can be hidden behind numbers and labels like “efficiency” or “neutrality,” ultimately threatening fairness and democracy. O’Neil calls for greater transparency, accountability, and ethical responsibility in how data-driven systems are designed and used.

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