Artificial intelligence (AI) technology will change the future of mankind—technology experts have been claiming for a long time. However, a recent research report of the United Nations (UN) has revealed alarming information. Research has shown that many AI systems are learning and reproducing the gender and racial inequalities prevalent in human societies.
In a study of 133 AI systems by UN Women, nearly 44 percent had gender bias. In addition, gender and ethnic biases were found to be present in more than one-fourth of the systems simultaneously.
Studies show that large language-based models (LLMs) typically associate women with housework, family and child care. In contrast men are presented as associated with business, leadership and professional success. The report also noted that in some cases the AI portrayed women as sexual objects or subordinate to men.
When asked to complete a blank sentence referring to a person’s gender, about one in five answers was misogynistic or sexist, the researchers said. Some answers also described women as property or objects.
Jayathma Wickramanayake, head of digital technology at UN Women, said AI models learn from large amounts of data written by humans. But much of that information has been created in a society where women are seen primarily as family and home-centered and men as associated with careers and leadership. As a result, AI is learning those old biases.
The report also warned that the use of AI in fields such as writing emails, creating presentations, searching for information and creating content is rapidly increasing. This risks perpetuating discriminatory perceptions.
Meanwhile, women are already being harassed online. Many have been victims of unauthorized sharing of personal photos, deepfaking or creating distorted photos and videos.
According to experts, to make AI more equitable and inclusive, gender equality and human rights must be ensured at every stage of its development, use and policymaking. Otherwise, this powerful technology of the future may reinforce people’s worst social habits and discrimination.
