In his talk, Tobias Mettler invites us to look beyond the simplistic narratives surrounding algorithmic control, the use of algorithms to govern individual, organizational, and societal behaviors. While the concept is often framed through narrow lenses, Mettler critically examines five common assumptions: that algorithmic control primarily aligns capital and labor, operates without human intervention, is inherently rational, represents a purely novel phenomenon, and is more opaque than traditional human oversight.

Drawing on his research into the connected workplace and digital transformation in the public sector, Mettler argues that these systems are far more multifaceted and complex than current literature suggests. By unpacking these misconceptions, he calls for a broader conceptualization of algorithmic control that transcends the typical focus on labor platforms to acknowledge its diverse dynamics across various organizational contexts.