How is AI Contributing to the Digital Divide?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most rapidly evolving technologies in the world. It has quickly found application in various fields, such as healthcare, transportation, and education. Although AI has the potential to revolutionize many aspects of our lives, it has also created a digital divide, hindering access to this technology for certain communities.
The digital divide is a term used to describe the unequal distribution of access to technology between different groups of people. Some individuals have access to the latest technologies, while others do not. The use of AI can perpetuate these inequalities, especially when considering artificial intelligence-enabled software bias and algorithmic discrimination.
Examples of AI and Digital Divide
Consider two examples illustrating how AI may widen the digital divide.
First, facial recognition systems are widely used to identify individuals, but they are biased against ethnic or racial groups. A study conducted by MIT found that the error rate for facial recognition systems is 34.7% for darker-skinned women, compared to only 0.8% for lighter-skinned men. This discrepancy implies that this technology may not work well for non-majority races, perpetuating bias and discrimination that can further exclude them from reaping AI’s benefits.
Second, automated resume screening software used by companies can also perpetuate the digital divide in employment. Studies have shown that if you include your physical address on your resume, you are less likely to be selected for an interview if you live in an economically deprived area. The software algorithms feed on this information to sort out resumes based on the postal code, employment background and experience, and education, potentially perpetuating the stagnation of social mobility.
AI and Social Inequality
AI technologies are meant to boost productivity, reduce costs, and ultimately create a more equitable society. However, failing to recognize the potential harm of AI tools can lead to unintended consequences that could only increase social inequality.
Artificial intelligence biases can stem from inadequate datasets that exclude underrepresented groups. AI algorithms work based on past data collected during training, so diverse and representative data can ensure that the biases that existed in the past do not persist into the future. It could also ensure that different groups receive equal access to opportunities such as education, employment, and healthcare, promoting integrative progress.
The use of AI in the education sector could have immense benefits, especially when coupled with other technologies such as e-learning. Reports show that while e-learning has opened up educational opportunities and democratized access to learning materials, low-income students have less access to internet connectivity and robust computing hardware, which hinders their ability to complete online coursework, affecting the quality of education received.
How to Address the Digital Divide?
Closing the gap in access to technologies such as AI can be achieved through several means.
First, policymakers could encourage AI organizations to develop and use ethical AI practices followed by regular reviews to assess bias and verify ethical standards. Companies could invest in developing more representative and diverse datasets to train their algorithms.
Second, efforts should be made to expand internet access, especially in economically marginalized communities. This could be achieved using affordable, low-cost connectivity models that offer internet access to everyone. Governments could also invest in public Wi-Fi hotspots or subsidize broadband access as is done in numerous EU countries to lessen the burden on lower-income earners.
Third, schools and libraries could benefit from more advanced technology resources. STEM programs are a fundamental means of bridging the digital divide among children, which translates to the ability to acquire high paying tech jobs in the future. As such, schools should be made accessible to the latest computer laboratories, specialized IT courses, and software, as most marginalized communities lack access to these critical learning resources.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, AI can be a double-edged sword, with the potential to create more inequality in society. As such, it is vital to ensure that the technology is inclusive and equitable so that it benefits everyone. Focusing on ethical development and deployment of AI, coupled with bridging the digital divide, will ensure that everybody can access the benefits of AI. By addressing the digital divide effectively, we can ensure that future generations can enjoy a world of equal opportunities, power, and progress despite socioeconomic, ethnic, and racial differences.