After you watch this TEDx Talk by Joy Buolamwini, answer the following questions:
1. Give an example of a computer program showing bias.
2. How can a computer program’s bias become dangerous?
3. Why is it important to have a more diverse group of people in the computer science field?
1. One example of a computer program showing bias is facial recognition software that has a higher rate of misidentifying or inaccurately assessing the faces of people with darker skin tones and females compared to white males. This bias can result in discriminatory outcomes, such as false identifications or exclusion of certain individuals based on their gender or race.
2. A computer program's bias can become dangerous because it can perpetuate and reinforce societal inequalities and discrimination. If biased algorithms are used in critical areas like criminal justice, hiring processes, or loan approvals, they can lead to unfair outcomes, reinforce existing biases, and discriminate against certain groups. This can have severe implications, affecting individuals' rights, opportunities, and overall fairness in society.
3. It is important to have a more diverse group of people in the computer science field for several reasons. Firstly, diverse perspectives bring different ways of thinking and problem-solving approaches, leading to more innovative and robust solutions. Secondly, a lack of diversity in the computer science field can result in biased algorithms and technologies that disadvantage certain groups, as seen in the example mentioned earlier. Having a diverse group of people involved in the development and decision-making processes can help mitigate these biases and ensure inclusive and fair technologies. Additionally, encouraging diversity can promote equal access and opportunities for historically underrepresented groups, leading to a more equitable and inclusive society.