Our World, Connected

What does AI mean for equality and inclusion?

May 22, 2024

Dr Abeba Birhane, a cognitive scientist, and Malik Afegbua, an AI artist, dive into the humanity, biases, and power imbalances in AI development. They explore the potential of AI in challenging stereotypes and fostering inclusion through storytelling and creative processes. The conversation highlights the importance of ethical design, biases in AI systems, and the need for regulatory measures to promote fairness and justice in AI applications.

41:37

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Abeba Birhane

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Humans shape the design and purpose of AI, influencing its impact on society.

Ethical considerations and responsible data usage are essential for promoting diversity and inclusion in AI storytelling.

Deep dives

AI's Impact on Society and Human Dimension

Artificial intelligence tools are capable of performing a wide range of tasks swiftly, from creating art to aiding decision-making processes. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that humans shape the design and purpose of AI, influencing its impact on the world. This podcast episode delves into the human-centric aspect of AI and its implications on society's advancement.

Introduction

5min

The Impact of AI on Storytelling and Bias Mitigation

9min

The Evolution and Impact of AI on Inequalities and Bias

11min

Shifting Power and Redefining Objectives in AI for Social Justice

3min

Challenging Stereotypes and Fostering Inclusion with Generative AI

13min

Closing Remarks and Teaser for Future Episode

1min

‘AI’: two letters that conjure a whirlwind of questions, speculation, and, for many, concern. But what exactly is artificial intelligence, or ‘AI’, and how does this connect to human behaviour and society?

Join us as we peel back the layers of AI and go beyond the hype to uncover the human role behind the development and use of AI tools around the world.

In the studio, our host Christine Wilson speaks to Dr Abeba Birhane, a cognitive scientist working on responsible and ethical AI at Trinity College Dublin. Meanwhile, our expert on-the-ground, Malik Afegbua, brings us his story from Lagos, Nigeria, where he is using generative AI to challenge the dominant perceptions of marginalised groups and drive inclusion through his art.

In this conversation, Christine, Abeba, and Malik explore the humanity, biases, and imbalances of power behind the development and use of AI. Together, they ask: how can we steer technological advancement towards a future where AI is beneficial for everyone?

Ahead of our last episode of this series with our Chief Executive Scott McDonald, we’d like to hear from you.

What burning questions do you have about the topics raised in this series that you’d like us to discuss in that episode?

If you’re listening to us on Spotify, you can comment your question. And if you’re listening on a different platform then send us your question by emailing ⁠researchglobal@britishcouncil.org⁠ by Sunday 18 August. We’ll choose a few to discuss in that final episode

Dive deeper:

Abeba’s latest research paper is titled "Towards AI Accountability Infrastructure: Gaps and Opportunities in AI Audit Tooling’ (March 2024). The research won a distinguished paper award at SaTML. Read it here: https://arxiv.org/abs/2402.17861

Explore Malik’s Elder Series and learn more about his creative process: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-64260739

Learn about the use of AI tools in English language teaching and learning with the latest British Council report: https://teachingenglish.britishcouncil.org/artificial-intelligence-and-english-language-teaching-research-british-council

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