Traces and Algorithms as Socio-digital Objects

Digital Objects as Passwords

Security proponents heavily emphasize the importance of choosing a strong password (one with high entropy). Unfortunately, by design, most humans are apparently incapable of generating such passwords, or memorizing a random-looking, machine-generated one for longterm use. Infrequently used passwords pose even bigger security and usability problems. We exploit the fact that many users now own or...

The digital traces of bubbles: feedback cycles between socio-economic signals in the Bitcoin economy

What is the role of social interactions in the creation of price bubbles? Answering this question requires obtaining collective behavioural traces generated by the activity of a large number of actors. Digital currencies offer a unique possibility to measure socio-economic signals from such digital traces. Here, we focus on Bitcoin, the most popular cryptocurrency. Bitcoin has experienced perio...

Column: Analysis of Digital Traces

Self-Reported Gambling Problems and Digital Traces

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), lists concealment as one of the symptoms of a gambling disorder. However, some transactions are more likely to leave permanent records of gambling transactions (credit, consumer loyalty schemes) than others (cash, Internet cash, Internet cafes, prepaid phones). An online survey of 815 participants recruited through...

Socio - digital experiences

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