Introduction

The idea of accidental collectives: groups of social media users created as a result of automated computer processes, is the core idea of this book. Accidentally Collectives is underpinned by the thesis that software unintentionally groups people through data analysis and classification as technology uses more complex sophisticated and powerful algorithms to automate routine tasks within social platforms. The book explores the stochastic character of these clusters, looking at how algorithms with predetermined objectives might build social networks around interests that may not necessarily reflect those of the users of such platforms. These accidental collectives are driven by forces within digital platforms that are invisible to users who find themselves into new and often unexpected digital spaces. The book examines the agency of software in social interactions and the degree to which the intentions of users and developers are represented in these automated processes through the analysis of case studies and real-life examples. Ultimately, it sheds light on the complex mechanisms behind the formation of new social groups in the digital age.