AI: From Bias to Justice

March 2022
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Introduction

Dive into the world of AI with MIT's latest exploration: How it can both perpetuate and combat systemic racism. Imagine being wrongfully arrested due to a biased algorithm—this isn't sci-fi, it's real, and it's happening. MIT's S. Craig Watkins is on a mission to tweak these digital brains to be fairer. From policing to healthcare, discover how AI could shift from problem to solution. Ready to see how tech might change the world for the better? Let's decode the future together!

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Why It Matters

Discover how this topic shapes your world and future

Unmasking the Digital Divide

Imagine a world where your smartphone could accidentally identify you as someone who committed a crime, just because of the way you look. This isn't a plot from a futuristic novel; it's a reality for some people today, thanks to artificial intelligence (AI). The story of a man wrongly arrested because of AI shows us that while technology is advancing rapidly, it's not always fair. This matters because AI is everywhere - deciding what ads you see online, who gets loans, and even who gets considered for jobs. If AI learns from biased information, it can make unfair decisions, affecting lives around the globe. Understanding this helps you see the world differently, recognizing the power and pitfalls of technology in our lives and society. For you, it's about more than just knowing how your favorite apps work; it's about understanding how to make technology fairer for everyone.

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Algorithm

A set of rules or instructions that computers follow to solve problems or make decisions.

Bias

An unfair preference or prejudice for or against something or someone.

Systemic racism

A form of racism that is embedded in the laws and regulations of a society or organization, leading to discrimination in many areas of life.

Artificial intelligence (AI)

The simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn.

Data ethics

The branch of ethics that focuses on the moral problems related to the collection, analysis, and use of data.

Computational models

Computer simulations that use algorithms to mimic complex real-world processes.

Independent Research Ideas

Exploring the impact of AI in educational tools

Investigate how AI-based educational software might perpetuate or combat biases in learning environments. This could reveal how technology influences educational opportunities for different groups.

AI and job recruitment

Study how AI algorithms used in job recruitment could affect diversity in the workplace. This project could shed light on the balance between efficiency and fairness in hiring practices.

The role of AI in environmental justice

Examine how AI can be used to identify and address environmental issues that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. This could highlight the intersection between technology, environment, and social justice.

AI in healthcare decision-making

Investigate how biases in AI algorithms could impact decision-making in healthcare, potentially affecting the quality of care for different racial or socioeconomic groups. This could contribute to discussions on equity in health access and outcomes.

The influence of AI on social media content

Explore how AI algorithms curate content on social media platforms and the potential for reinforcing stereotypes or biases. This project could provide insights into the digital shaping of societal views and interactions.

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