Scale in representation, AI, and why we're scrolling our way to our doom

Dec 31, 2023 ·

AI and Machine Learning are rapidly being adopted in our society, leading to an exponential increase in the amount of data being generated. This data can provide valuable insights into how we use technology, but it also creates a significant risk of creating an artificial intelligence (AI) that is too powerful for us to control. As machine learning algorithms become more complex, they can become increasingly difficult to interpret and govern. The consequence of this is an AI that is making decisions without any human input or oversight.

At the same time, much of the data being used by these AI systems is coming from human sources, such as social media posts, search queries, and web browsing logs. These data sets often contain biased representations of people, which can lead to automated decisions that are unfair or even dangerous. For example, facial recognition software may incorrectly identify people of color as criminals more often than white people.

Additionally, there is an ever-increasing trend of automation and AI-driven decision making. This means that humans are becoming less involved in what happens on the internet, allowing machines to take on more responsibilities. This can lead to a world where decisions are made solely by computers, with little or no input from us.

Overall, the increasing prevalence of AI is creating a reality where decisions are being made without considering our best interests. We are at risk of losing control of many aspects of our lives, while being subjected to decisions made by algorithms that we cannot understand or influence. It is therefore essential that we act now to ensure that AI is developed responsibly, and governed in a way that ensures fairness and accountability.