How We Rewrite AI
When we examine the most popular examples of AI in our everyday lives, we’re met with one undeniable fact: they are all created to give our lives an added layer of convenience. Whether that’s to assist with directions, answering a curious question, or just finding a lost file on our devices, these specific tasks add to our interpretation of service roles being feminine-identifying. Though these may seem like harmless connections, it’s important to understand that these decisions are deliberately made, and these connections are no accidents. By allowing these ideas to persist, we risk creating a new frontier where objectifying women becomes the unquestionable norm. Other current AI trends reflect this. with the merging of robotics and 3-D printing – allowing for the mostly-male designer industry to customize their own robots. Many designers have chosen to replicate attractive women, sometimes even famous personalities, in these projects. And while it may seem harmless to do so, some are questioning the ethical consequences of such projects.
The Future of AI
So what does all of this mean for the future of AI? Well, it means that to create a truly inclusive and varied AI field, we must be willing to confront the issues that our current AI culture presents. Does the homogenous landscape of who designs, creates, and launches products serve as a primary factor for many of these underlying issues? Will pushing for more women and marginalized individuals into the field serve as the right solution, or must it be coupled with other solutions? The answer to this question is tricky, and not one that should be answered singularly. Instead, we must first be willing to examine the shortcomings of the current AI culture, and remain vigilant in improving it for everyone. After all, AI is fast becoming a landscape that integrates seamlessly into our own lives. Don’t we owe it to ourselves to make it as inclusive and impressive as possible? Image via Flickr / Henning Mühlinghaus
