Navigating the Social Implications of Artificial Intelligence: Expanding the Role of Computing Academics

Conceptos Básicos

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has sparked widespread concerns about its potential social, political, and personal ramifications. This presents the academic discipline of computing with an opportunity to critically examine its role and responsibilities in addressing these issues.

Resumen

The paper explores the nature of the "AI crisis" and argues that the problems with this technology lie not just in the realm of ethics, but in the social, economic, and political spheres. It advocates for a broader analytical focus on power relations and the ways in which AI is intertwined with issues of inequality, discrimination, and the concentration of power.
The paper proposes an expanded conception of academic computing that includes not only the discipline's usual instrumental forms of knowledge, but also reflexive knowledge. This reflexive dimension integrates both the critical and public functions of the discipline as equal intellectual partners. The author argues for the role of "Public Computer Intellectuals" who can engage in self-critique and outward-facing dialogue with the public, with a particular focus on addressing the needs of marginalized and disadvantaged groups.
The paper emphasizes the importance of computing education research in this regard, as educators are well-positioned to adopt a justice-centered approach that considers the sociocultural and sociopolitical contexts in which technologies are developed and applied. It calls for a recalibration of the discipline's intellectual orientation to be more focused on the world around us, recognizing the responsibility and opportunity for computing academics to contribute to public debates and shape the future of AI.

Estadísticas

"Top AI researchers and CEOs warn against 'risk of extinction'"
"Elon Musk among experts urging a halt to AI training"
"Only 1% of the most highly-cited ML papers mentioned possible social and ethical concerns"
"The EU's High-Level Expert Group on Artificial Intelligence (HLEG-AI) was principally interested in advancing the global standing and business opportunities of European corporations working in AI"
"Knowledge of ethical guidelines and/or codes of ethical conduct do not seem to affect the decision making of software developers"
"Machine learning is political since such systems inevitably prioritize the material interests of some social groups over others"
"The consequence of IT innovation over the past 20-30 years has been stagnating labor demand, lower productivity growth, and rising inequality"

Citas

"The crisis consists precisely in the fact that the old is dying and the new cannot be born; in this interregnum a great variety of morbid symptoms appear."
"The fundamental truth buried in the language of statistics and computer scientists is that machine learning is political."
"Pedagogy is always political and must be about more than skills acquisition."

Ideas clave extraídas de

Public Computing Intellectuals in the Age of AI Crisis

by Randy Connol... a las arxiv.org 05-03-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2405.00860.pdf

Consultas más profundas

How can computing academics effectively bridge the gap between technical expertise and public engagement on the social implications of AI?

To bridge the gap between technical expertise and public engagement on the social implications of AI, computing academics can adopt several strategies. Firstly, they can enhance their communication skills to effectively convey complex technical concepts to a broader audience. This may involve using plain language, analogies, and real-world examples to make the information more accessible.
Secondly, academics can actively participate in public discussions, forums, and media outlets to share their insights on the societal impacts of AI. By engaging with the public, they can raise awareness, address misconceptions, and foster informed discussions on the ethical, social, and political dimensions of AI technology.
Furthermore, collaboration with experts from diverse fields such as sociology, political science, and ethics can provide a more holistic perspective on the implications of AI. Interdisciplinary research projects and partnerships can help computing academics gain a deeper understanding of the societal context in which AI operates.
Lastly, incorporating ethics and social responsibility into computing curricula can help future professionals develop a well-rounded understanding of the ethical implications of their work. By educating the next generation of computing professionals on the importance of considering societal impacts, academics can contribute to a more socially conscious approach to AI development and deployment.

What are the potential risks and drawbacks of computing academics taking a more overtly political stance, and how can these be mitigated?

Taking a more overtly political stance as a computing academic can pose several risks and drawbacks. One potential risk is the perception of bias or partisanship, which may undermine the credibility and objectivity of the academic. This could lead to backlash from colleagues, students, or funding bodies who may have differing political views.
Another risk is the potential for personal attacks or harassment, especially in today's polarized political climate. Academics who express strong political opinions may become targets of online harassment or face professional repercussions.
To mitigate these risks, computing academics should strive to maintain a balanced and evidence-based approach in their political engagement. It is essential to back up opinions with research and data, fostering constructive dialogue rather than divisive rhetoric.
Academics can also establish clear boundaries between their personal political views and their professional responsibilities. By clearly delineating when they are speaking in a personal capacity versus as a representative of their academic institution, they can minimize the risk of conflating personal opinions with institutional positions.
Lastly, fostering a culture of respect, open-mindedness, and diversity of perspectives within academic environments can help create a safe space for political discourse. Encouraging civil debate, critical thinking, and mutual understanding can mitigate the risks associated with taking a political stance.

In what ways can the values and approaches of the humanities and social sciences be productively integrated into computing education and research to address the societal impacts of AI?

Integrating the values and approaches of the humanities and social sciences into computing education and research can enrich the understanding of the societal impacts of AI. One way to achieve this is by incorporating courses on ethics, philosophy, sociology, and political science into computing curricula. By exploring ethical dilemmas, social implications, and historical contexts, students can develop a more comprehensive perspective on the ethical and societal dimensions of AI technology.
Collaborative interdisciplinary research projects that bring together experts from computing, humanities, and social sciences can provide a holistic approach to addressing the societal impacts of AI. By working together, researchers can leverage diverse perspectives, methodologies, and insights to tackle complex societal challenges related to AI technology.
Furthermore, engaging with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, including policymakers, community members, and advocacy groups, can help computing researchers better understand the real-world implications of their work. By incorporating feedback and input from a wide range of perspectives, researchers can ensure that their AI technologies are developed and deployed in a socially responsible manner.
Overall, integrating the values and approaches of the humanities and social sciences into computing education and research can foster a more ethical, inclusive, and socially conscious approach to AI development. By embracing interdisciplinary collaboration and engaging with diverse stakeholders, academics can work towards addressing the societal impacts of AI in a more holistic and responsible manner.