Big Data, Small Personas: How Algorithms Shape the Demographic Representation of Data-Driven User Segments

Abstract

. The algorithms that rank high on diversity tend to rank low on fairness (Spearman's correlation: -0.83). The algorithm that best balances diversity, fairness, and consistency is Spectral Embedding. The results imply that the choice of algorithm is a crucial step in data-driven user segmentation, because the algorithm fundamentally impacts the demographic attributes of the generated personas and thus influences how decision makers view the user population. The results have implications for algorithmic bias in user segmentation and creating user segments that not only consider commercial segmentation criteria but also consider criteria derived from ethical discussions in the computing community.