gender bias in algorithms: what can be done

AI has made remarkable progress in the past five years. You can now use it to generate content and art, detect and correct errors, and streamline communication. However, AI does not have a mind of its own. Researcher Corinna Hertweck emphasizes that AI can only mimic the data it’s trained to find. It does not have the intellect or will to evaluate and exclude data that can reinforce harmful beliefs.

Guest contribution by Jamie Vonz *)

This phenomenon manifests quite clearly when it comes to gender bias. As our article ‘Why Gender Equality is Good For Everyone – Men Included’ acknowledges, gender equality is associated with better productivity, job satisfaction, healthier lives, and happier relationships. AI running contrary to that means that something is fundamentally wrong with its design – and steps must be taken to fix it.

Here’s an overview of gender bias in AI and what you can contribute as a business owner to help stop the prejudice.

AI and gender bias

Despite AI being lauded as the dawn of a new and bright technological future, it can still work to cement outdated and sexist beliefs. A study by the Université de Lausanne cites an instance where an AI-powered algorithm sorted CVs unfairly based on sex, limiting job opportunities for competent applicants vying for positions that aren’t traditionally associated with their gender. This is only one of many examples that prove AI gender bias can snowball into larger business consequences down the line, especially with AI increasingly utilized in decision-making processes.

However, it’s also essential to recognize the complexity of the problem. AI’s bias partially comes from its creators and the unbalanced training data it’s fed. This shows most clearly on search engines, where gender-neutral searches for terms like “doctor” and “CEO” can yield male-dominant results. That’s largely because of the gender bias present in content across countless websites, which in turn becomes data fed to the AI-powered algorithms used to create search engine results.

It’s clear, then, that resolving the gender bias problem in AI requires a holistic effort across several aspects of your business operations.

Business solutions to gender bias in AI

Despite the gender bias embedded within AI, it is possible to productively use the tech to be less discriminatory. Let’s see how.

Let’s collaborate on combatting bias in ai!

You and your business can also challenge the AI companies you collaborate with to demonstrate their AI models and how they combat gender bias, reporting any harmful gender stereotypes you encounter with AI and encouraging fellow business owners to do the same. That way, you’ll use more accurate AI in your business while helping create demand for better-informed AI models.
 
Because of its current models and information sources, AI often perpetuates harmful gender biases. You can help correct it as a business owner by following the tips above.

For more information about championing gender equality in business, explore more of Advance.

*) Jamie Vonz is a passionate tech enthusiast and a freelance writer, delving into diverse facets of technology and career development. Outside of her professional pursuits, she finds joy in unwinding at home and cherishing moments with her family.

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