Digital Civil Society Lab

Giving in a Datafied World

This research cluster explores the shifting landscape of formal and informal philanthropic giving in a datafied world, from crowdfunding to donating our digitized personal data.

Giving – the foundational action of philanthropic activity and the non-profit sector – traditionally refers to how people and organizations give time and money to make the world a better place. Today, we need to consider how giving also involves data. This research cluster explores the shifting landscape of formal and informal philanthropic giving in a datafied world, from crowdfunding to donating our digitized personal data.

Image by Ben Crothers, Bright Pilots

“I, Obscura,” a dark pattern zine launched from Stanford and UCLA

I, Obscura illuminates dark design patterns by telling stories. A compilation of case studies, this zine offers readers a set of dark pattern examples, along with possible design and policy solutions. These examples assist with demystifying deceptive design the possible harms to individuals, and to prompt policymakers to action. (2021)

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How We Give Now: Philanthropy by the Rest of Us

The How We Give Now research project engages individuals and groups in a reflective discussion about all the ways they direct their private resources for public benefit, beyond what is traditionally captured in official giving data.

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