automating.nyc

What It Is

Automating NYC is an interactive educational platform focused on automated decision systems (ADS) and their social impact. It is not a traditional online video course, but rather a digital exhibition centered on storytelling and interactive experiences. Its goal is to reveal how algorithms are used in public services, and how they may unintentionally worsen social inequality—or even “encode inequality.”

Core Dimensions

• Course Field: Focuses on technology ethics, algorithmic bias, and public policy. Through real cases from New York City—such as the story of Porfirio’s deli nearly going bankrupt due to an algorithmic misjudgment—the platform vividly shows the devastating impact flawed algorithms can have on marginalized communities.
• Teaching Format: Uses interactive web-based reading, including hover interactions, flowchart-style explanations, and other visual elements, avoiding dry lecturing. It also explains algorithmic concepts through everyday analogies such as “buying avocados,” greatly lowering the barrier to understanding.
• Instructor/Institution Background: Connected to New York City’s ADS Task Force, with a strong civic advocacy angle. It encourages the public to actively participate in algorithmic oversight.

Pricing

Completely free and open to the public. It is a public educational resource with no paywall.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Highly immersive storytelling, with real cases that directly address key pain points; makes complex algorithmic black-box issues accessible; not only critical, but also objectively explores the potential benefits and risks of ADS.
• Cons: Geared more toward introductory public education and lacks academic depth; does not offer a systematic course structure, assignments, or community discussion; provides no certificate; the cases are highly localized to New York, which may make them slightly less relatable for audiences in other regions.

Who It’s For

Suitable for beginners interested in technology ethics, algorithmic bias, and social equity, as well as public policy advocates and New York City residents. Not suitable for learners looking for hardcore technical implementation or a systematic academic course.

Access in China

Unknown. The text does not provide information about network accessibility. Static sites like this are usually directly accessible, but according to the stated rules, this is marked as unknown.