The future is here: how artificial intelligence will impact diversity, equity, and inclusion.
/Artificial intelligence (AI) is solidifying as an early hot-topic for 2023. The introduction of the research release of ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence model that interacts in a conversational way, is giving users first-hand experience of how AI will change learning, work, information gathering, and life as we know it.
ChatGPT is a language model chatbot developed by company OpenAI, which has the ability to interact in conversational dialogue, interpret meaning, and provide answers that “sound” human. The platform has been released free to gather user feedback. After signing up and agreeing not to share sensitive information, users can pose questions on any topic and expect the ChatGPT tool to answer comprehensively, conversationally and in real-time.
Image description: robot hands seen playing a piano. By possessed photography on unsplash.
Practitioners who have followed the early development of AI tools know that they have the potential to reflect and replicate bias that’s present in the data that is used to develop the tool. (I’m thinking about Amazon’s diabolical hiring tool that taught itself that male candidates were preferred.) But ChatGPT is showing us that AI science is rapidly evolving, so what is the 2023 view of the AI impact on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)?
Who better than ChatGPT to answer that question? I asked ChatGPT “what’s the potential impact of AI and DEI?”. This is the response received:
The potential impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is a complex and multifaceted issue that is still being explored by researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. On one hand, AI has the potential to help organizations improve DEI by automating and optimizing various processes, reducing bias in decision-making, and increasing access to information and opportunities. On the other hand, AI can also exacerbate existing DEI issues if it is not designed, developed, and used responsibly.
Some of the potential positive impacts of AI on DEI include:
Automating bias detection and reduction: AI algorithms can be trained to detect and reduce bias in decision-making processes, helping organizations to make more fair and equitable decisions.
Increasing access to information and opportunities: AI can help organizations to reach and engage a more diverse range of people, increasing access to information and opportunities.
Improving DEI metrics and measurement: AI algorithms can be used to collect and analyze data on DEI metrics, helping organizations to track their progress and identify areas for improvement.
However, there are also several potential negative impacts of AI on DEI, including:
Amplifying existing biases and discrimination: If AI systems are trained on biased data, they can perpetuate and amplify existing biases and discrimination in society.
Disproportionate impact on marginalized groups: AI systems may have a disproportionate impact on marginalized groups, leading to unequal outcomes and reduced opportunities for these groups.
Lack of transparency and accountability: AI systems can be difficult to understand and interpret, making it difficult to hold them accountable for their decisions and ensure that they align with DEI principles.
Overall, the potential impact of AI on DEI is a complex and evolving issue that requires ongoing attention, research, and collaboration between AI experts, policymakers, and the public. Organizations must prioritize responsible AI development and use, and invest in training and education programs to ensure that AI is used in a way that supports DEI goals and values.
There you have it, folks. There’ll no doubt be much to discuss (and interrogate) as this topic continues to shape people processes, how we work, how we trust data and how we ensure equity and inclusion for all.
