AI and Racism

Numerous instances of biased artificial intelligence already exist. These systems are predominantly developed by individuals who harbor their own biases and prejudices.

One alarming example is the failure of AI to recognize Black faces as human. A woman recounted how she had to don a white mask just for her computer to acknowledge her identity. Astonishingly, the machine found it simpler to identify a mask than an actual person.

Another case involves AI trained on extensive datasets incorrectly labeling Black individuals as criminals or janitors, while women were often categorized as homemakers. A Harvard professor noted that certain search engines would direct predatory loan offers to people with “Black-sounding names.” Additionally, AI used in recruitment processes tends to overlook candidates with similar names, making them less likely to receive callbacks.

The list of concerning examples continues. The existing racism in society is troubling enough; we certainly don't need biased algorithms amplifying these issues.

A Call for Caution

In March, Elon Musk, a figure who may not prioritize the average person's concerns, suggested we pause AI development due to its potential societal risks.

While Musk's motivations can be questioned, he isn't alone in his concerns. Experts in artificial intelligence and tech executives have echoed similar calls for caution. In a joint letter, they posed critical questions: “Should we allow machines to inundate our information channels with propaganda and falsehoods? … Should we cultivate non-human minds that might eventually outnumber, outsmart, and replace us?”

Perhaps this is driven by capitalism. I remain skeptical of their intentions, but it seems that even the wealthy are becoming apprehensive. Typically, their primary focus is profit. I'll be observing how this unfolds.

The Erosion of Art and Creativity

I have a profound appreciation for human creativity. I enjoy dissecting every word in a book to understand the author's perspective and can spend hours contemplating a painting to feel the artist’s emotions.

However, the rise of AI threatens this artistic expression. Disney has begun employing AI for visuals in its Secret Invasion television series, and many AI-generated articles and stories are circulating so widely that publishers are compelled to impose bans.

Writers in Hollywood, already underpaid, face additional challenges as AI can generate movie pitches and scripts with minimal human involvement. The traditional notion of the starving artist may become a relic of the past.

The Decline of Critical Thinking

It has become almost a cliché: we have unprecedented access to information, yet we seem to be growing less intelligent.

My students often struggle with critical thinking. They typically seek out simple answers to memorize for exams, promptly forgetting the material once the tests are over. When faced with more complex questions, they often become frustrated if there isn’t a straightforward solution.

Even before the advent of AI, I frequently encountered answers copied verbatim from Google, often lacking coherence with the question asked. As many of my students shift to using ChatGPT, which is becoming increasingly difficult to detect, I find myself relying on my understanding of their writing styles to identify discrepancies.

As AI progresses and my students become more adept at using it, this issue is likely to escalate. Their growing dependence on technology may erode the critical thinking skills that define our humanity. Simply inputting information without comprehension is not a pathway to intellectual advancement.

Conclusion: A Troubling Reflection

I find myself deeply unsettled.

Am I out of touch? I cannot say for certain. There are countless issues in the world that demand attention. Perhaps this should not be at the forefront of my concerns, but with so many pre-existing challenges, I can’t help but question:

Why exacerbate the situation?

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