The Digital Curation Problem: Why We Need More Human Curators

The Digital Curation Problem: Why We Need More Human Curators

In the age of information overload, digital curation has become an essential but often overlooked aspect of our online experience. While many view curation as a luxury or bonus, its importance cannot be overstated. The question of whether curation counts as authorship or has value on its own has sparked an ongoing debate. However, it's time to recognize that curation is a vital and skilled job that offers a quality filter in an internet full of total crap lacking any kind of filter for quality or significance.

The idea of curation as a necessary role was called into question when a Guardian editor argued that it wasn't necessary to name curators in exhibition reviews. The notion that curators don't deserve credit for their work undermines the importance of their role. This sentiment is echoed in the mockery of Gwyneth Paltrow's "book curator" title. The belief that we can curate our own Instagram feeds leads many to dismiss the idea of professional curators altogether. However, we must recognize that curating content goes beyond simply selecting what we like or find interesting. It requires expertise, knowledge, and a discerning eye.

In a world where algorithms and automation dominate, human curators offer a much-needed alternative. While tech companies may make us responsible for our own curation or automate the process, there is a clear need for intelligent selection by un-automated humans. Human curators serve as a barrier against the worst content, applying a base level of acceptability to what gets promoted online. Without this human touch, we are left to navigate through an internet full of low-quality and irrelevant information.

The concept of an "Internet OS" was introduced by Marc Andreessen of Netscape as a way to transform their browser into a platform that provides tools and programming interfaces for internet-based applications. This "Internet OS" would run on top of a regular operating system but would aim to make traditional desktop operating systems like Windows obsolete. Andreessen's vision was to turn Windows into a collection of device drivers, while the true power and innovation would lie in the Internet OS.

While Andreessen's vision may not have come to fruition exactly as he had imagined, his idea highlights the need for a more streamlined and integrated online experience. An Internet OS would centralize and simplify our digital interactions, allowing for seamless navigation and access to curated content. By incorporating curation into the very fabric of our online platforms, we can ensure that quality and relevance are prioritized over quantity and noise.

So, what can we do to improve digital curation and embrace the role of human curators? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Recognize the value of curation: As users, we need to acknowledge the importance of human curators and the expertise they bring to the table. By valuing curation as a necessary and skilled job, we can support and encourage the growth of this field.

2. Seek out diverse perspectives: When curating our own feeds or relying on algorithms, we often end up in echo chambers, consuming content that aligns with our existing beliefs and interests. Actively seek out diverse perspectives and curated content from sources outside of your comfort zone to broaden your horizons and challenge your assumptions.

3. Support platforms that prioritize curation: Instead of relying solely on algorithms and automation, support platforms that prioritize human curation. Look for platforms that have a transparent curation process and actively involve human curators in the selection and promotion of content.

In conclusion, the role of human curators in the digital age cannot be understated. As we navigate the vast landscape of information online, curated content serves as a quality filter, ensuring that the worst content is kept at bay. By recognizing the value of curation, seeking diverse perspectives, and supporting platforms that prioritize curation, we can create a more curated and meaningful online experience. It's time to embrace the importance of human curators and the role they play in shaping our digital landscape.