Re-Thinking Algorithmic Control: Common Assumptions, Controversies, Misconceptions

Algorithmic control, that is the use of algorithms to govern individual, organizational, and societal behaviors, has become a central topic in both academic and public discourse. Despite its widespread impact, the concept remains ambiguously defined, with significant variation in interpretations. This paper critically examines several common assumptions about algorithmic control, which have shaped its understanding in the literature. These include the belief that algorithmic control primarily serves to align capital and labor, operates independently of human intervention, is inherently rational and formalized, is a novel phenomenon, and is more opaque than human oversight. By unpacking these assumptions, the paper argues that algorithmic control transcends simplistic narratives, revealing its complex and multifaceted nature. It highlights the limitations of current frameworks of thinking, particularly those focused narrowly on labor platforms, and calls for a broader conceptualization that acknowledges the diverse purposes and dynamics of algorithmic control across different contexts.