What is meant by "AI" and "LGBT"?
The term Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to computer programs that are designed to perform tasks requiring human intelligence, such as understanding natural language, recognizing objects, making decisions, and learning from data. In contrast, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Allies + (LGBTQIA+) communities refer to people who identify themselves outside the traditional binary of male and female, heterosexual, cisgender, and monogamous relationships.
How does AI learn from data?
In machine learning, an AI system learns from large datasets containing labeled examples. It uses algorithms to find patterns in the data and generalize these patterns to new cases. The more diverse the dataset, the better the AI can learn.
If the dataset contains biases against LGBT individuals, the AI will also reproduce those biases.
Why do LGBT people face bias in society?
Many societies still have prejudices against non-heteronormative sexualities and gender identities. These prejudices are often expressed through discrimination, violence, and social exclusion. As a result, LGBT individuals may be underrepresented or misrepresented in public institutions and media.
How does this affect AI systems?
If AI systems rely on biased datasets, they may produce unfair outcomes for LGBT individuals.
Facial recognition software trained on images with few LGBT faces might struggle to recognize transgender individuals. This could lead to discriminatory policing practices.
What ethical principles should guide AI development?
Researchers and developers must follow ethical principles such as fairness, accountability, transparency, and privacy when developing AI systems. They should ensure that their work is inclusive and respectful of all communities.
How can researchers avoid reproducing societal biases?
To prevent the replication of biases, researchers should use unbiased datasets, consider alternative training methods, and engage with marginalized communities during the design process.
What mechanisms underlie AI systems' reproduction of societal biases against LGBT communities, and how can researchers and developers intervene ethically?
The most common ways that artificial intelligence (AI) systems reproduce societal biases include overreliance on biased datasets and algorithms that perpetuate existing stereotypes. This is particularly concerning when these biases are related to marginalized groups such as the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community.