Ensuring Equity & Inclusion Through Technology – February 16, 2023

We use technology – the application of scientific knowledge to the practical aims of human life or, as it is sometimes phrased, to the change and manipulation of the human environment (OED) – to automate our work. Machines and software aid us in making decisions or even making decisions for us. To help us see things and do things that we ourselves cannot do because of lack of time, lack of knowledge, or lack of ability.

But technology is biased. The World Economic Forum article “Research shows AI is often biased. Here’s how to make algorithms work for all of us” states , “Bias represents injustice against a person or a group. A lot of existing human bias can be transferred to machines because technologies are not neutral; they are only as good, or bad, as the people who develop them.” Even worse, bias infects our decisions on what technology to use and how we use technology.

Why? Because all humans are all biased. And who creates and uses technology? Humans. Consciously or subconsciously, our biases lead to discrimination. Discrimination either in the development or use of technology. So, how can we determine how bias impacts our use or development of technology?

Learning Objectives

After this workshop you will be able to:

• Describe how bias impacts the development of technology
• Describe how bias impacts the use of technology
• Describe how to select technology that minimizes bias