Navigating the Future of Data-Driven Systems: Children’s perspectives on data and agency

Data-driven systems play a significant role in shaping children’s experiences, as they interact with data-centric technologies daily through various platforms, including social media. Recent studies have highlighted children’s perspectives on these technologies, offering insights into their awareness, concerns, and interactions with data-driven systems. This empirical study positions children as co-researchers, employing participatory and speculative approaches to collaboratively explore the futures of data-driven systems, with a particular focus on social media. Methodologically, we build on nexus analysis to bring understanding on children’s ability to articulate concerns on data-centric technologies and imagine alternatives in ways that reflect their needs, aspirations, and social realities. Our findings showcase children’s primary concerns about data-centric technologies and illuminate various expressions of agency identified in their speculative fictions. Consequently, we call for the promotion of critical data literacy to foster children’s agency within data-driven systems.