Big Data, Big Problems: Emerging Issues in the Ethics of Data Science and Journalism

Type Journal Article Author Joshua Fairfield Author Hannah Shtein URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08900523.2014.863126 Volume 29 Issue 1 Pages 38-51 Publication Journal of Mass Media Ethics ISSN 0890-0523 Date January 2, 2014 DOI 10.1080/08900523.2014.863126 Accessed 2015-10-19 23:18:58 Library Catalog Taylor and Francis+NEJM Abstract As big data techniques become widespread in journalism, both as the subject of reporting and as newsgathering tools, the ethics of data science must inform and be informed by media ethics. This article explores emerging problems in ethical research using big data techniques. It does so using the duty-based framework advanced by W.D. Ross, who has significantly influenced both research science and media ethics. A successful framework must provide stability and flexibility. Without stability, ethical precommitments will vanish as technology rapidly shifts costs. Without flexibility, traditional approaches will rapidly become obsolete in the face of technological change. The article concludes that Ross's duty-based approach both provides stability in the face of rapid technological change and flexibility to innovate to achieve the original purpose of basic ethical principles. Short Title Big Data, Big Problems