The idea that time is a human construct has been debated for centuries. While most people agree that there are objective phenomena such as day/night cycles and seasons, whether time is subjective or absolute remains controversial. Time perception varies depending on one's age, cultural background, physical state, mental health, etc., so it can be difficult to define what exactly "time" means outside of these parameters. In this essay, I will examine how queer experiences of temporality inform moral reflection on artificial intelligence systems operating across generational or long-term scales.
One way to conceptualize time is through the lens of personal experience. For some individuals, certain events may feel like they happened yesterday while others seem to have occurred ages ago. This discrepancy stems from individual differences in memory and emotion processing, which shape how people perceive time passing.
Someone who was traumatized by an event may recall it vividly while another person with a more positive association might remember it less distinctly. Similarly, sexual orientation and gender identity influence how one views time, since LGBTQ+ individuals often experience discrimination and prejudice throughout their lives. They develop strategies to cope with oppression, including compartmentalizing emotions or distancing themselves from certain memories, affecting their temporal awareness.
AI systems operate differently than humans do when it comes to time. They can store vast amounts of data instantaneously without forgetting anything and process information at superhuman speeds. Their ability to simulate human cognition enables them to replicate complex behaviors such as decision-making processes based on past experiences. Still, there are ethical implications surrounding using AI for long-term planning due to its lack of subjectivity. Without understanding temporal nuances that influence behavior change, machines may make erroneous predictions about future outcomes.
Considering how queer experiences of temporality challenge our understanding of time provides valuable insights into how we should design AI systems for the future. By acknowledging these unique perspectives, developers can create technology that is responsive to various types of users rather than relying solely on objective data points.
How do queer experiences of temporality inform moral reflection on AI systems that operate across generational or long-term scales?
Queer theory suggests that time is not only linear but also intersecting with various axes such as race, gender, class, ability, etc. , which are all interconnected and cannot be separated from each other. The same goes for technology and its impact on society. Queer temporalities suggest that time can be experienced differently depending on one's social position and the context they inhabit.