"It Feels Like Being Locked in A Cage": Understanding Blind or Low Vision Streamers' Perceptions of Content Curation Algorithms

Ethan Z. Rong, Mo Morgana Zhou, Zhicong Lu*, Mingming Fan*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapters, Conference Papers, Creative and Literary WorksRGC 32 - Refereed conference paper (with host publication)peer-review

Abstract

Blind or low vision (BLV) people were recently reported to be live streamers on the online platforms that employed content curation algorithms. Recent research uncovered perceived algorithmic biases suppressing the content created by marginalized populations (e.g., people of color, the LGBT+ community, and content creators of lower socioeconomic status). However, little is known about how BLV streamers, as a marginalized population, perceive the effects of the algorithms adopted by live streaming platforms. We interviewed BLV streamers (N=19) of Douyin - a popular live stream platform in China - to understand their perceptions of algorithms, perceived challenges, and mitigation strategies. Our findings show the perceived factors contributing to disadvantages under algorithmic evaluation of BLV streamers' content (e.g., issues with filming and timely interaction with viewers) and perceived algorithmic suppression (e.g., content not amplified to sighted users but suppressed within the BLV community). Their mitigation strategies (e.g., not watching other BLV streamers' shows) tended to be passive. We discuss design considerations to design a more inclusive and fair live streaming platform.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationDIS 2022 - Proceedings of the 2022 ACM Designing Interactive Systems Conference: Digital Wellbeing
EditorsFlorian ‘Floyd’ Mueller, Stefan Greuter, Rohit Ashok Khot, Penny Sweetser, Marianna Obrist
Place of PublicationNew York, NY
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery
Pages571-585
ISBN (Print)9781450393584
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2022
EventACM Conference on Designing Interactive Systems 2022 (DIS 2022) - Online, Australia
Duration: 13 Jun 202217 Jun 2022

Publication series

NameDIS - Proceedings of the ACM Designing Interactive Systems Conference

Conference

ConferenceACM Conference on Designing Interactive Systems 2022 (DIS 2022)
PlaceAustralia
Period13/06/2217/06/22

Research Keywords

  • Accessibility
  • Algorithmic Experience
  • Algorithms
  • Individuals with Disabilities & Assistive Technologies
  • Interview
  • Perceptions of Algorithms
  • Social Media/Online Communities

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