Technological chauvinism privileges technological solutions over other approaches, neglecting more productive policy choices.
Recognizing the limits of AI is essential for making good decisions and effectively using the technology.
Deep dives
Techno-shov-nism and the Bias of Technology
Techno-shov-nism, a form of bias, is problematic. We should examine it and consider using the right tool for the task. Sometimes a computer is the right tool, while other times a simple book in a child's hands can be just as valuable. Technological chauvinism privileges technological solutions over other approaches, neglecting more productive policy choices.
Understanding the Limits of Artificial Intelligence
It is crucial to distinguish between real and imaginary capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI). General AI, like in movies, is imaginary, while narrow AI, which is computational statistics, is what we have. Narrow AI can do impressive tasks like image manipulation, but it cannot understand the context like humans. Recognizing the limits of AI is essential for making good decisions and effectively using the technology.
Concerns Over Problematic Uses of AI
AI, particularly in machine learning applications, has been used in ways that raise concerns. Predictive policing, for example, can perpetuate biases and disproportionately impact marginalized communities. Facial recognition technology, often used in policing, has shown limitations in accuracy and perpetuated racial biases. It is important to have open discussions about these technologies and consider the ethical implications of their use.
Reasons for Optimism: Critical AI Community
One reason for optimism is the emergence of the critical AI community. Scholars from various disciplines are examining how AI is deployed in the world, focusing on issues of race, justice, and equity. This critical examination sheds light on both the empowering and detrimental effects of AI, allowing for a more nuanced and informed approach to the technology.
Episode 19: Climate Change, Vaccines, AI, and the Lure of Technochauvinism featuring Meredith Broussard
This month, Jack and Shobita discuss the recent IPCC report on climate change and the politics of vaccine "hesitancy", and puzzle over the lure of technological fixes to solve complex problems. And Jack speaks with Meredith Broussard, Associate Professor of the Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute at New York University and Research Director, NYU Alliance for Public Interest Technology, who has developed a new approach to understanding this puzzle: technochauvinism.
- Meredith Broussard (forthcoming, 2023). More Than a Glitch: What Everyone Needs to Know About Making Technology Anti-Racist, Accessible, and Otherwise Useful to All. MIT Press.
Study questions:
1. Why are policymakers and publics so attracted to seemingly simple technological fixes?
2. What are the costs of framing vaccine "hesitancy" or climate change as individual, moral problems?
3. What is technochauvinism, and what's wrong with it?
4. How might we approach artificial intelligence in a more socially responsible way?
5. Should facial recognition technology be banned? Why or why not?
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