Human Biases Reflected As Computer Biases

Bias: prejudice in favor of or against a thing, person, or group

What is “computer bias”?

The existence of prejudiced outcomes in the decisions or predictions made by computer systems/algorithms. Bias can be implemented into algorithms because of human biases being intentionally inserted or because of the data utilized being biased.

Explicit Data: Information directly provided by user.

Implicit Data: Infomration that can inferred from explicit data.

Based on either explicit/implicit data that has been used to train an algorithm, whether intentionally introduced or during the process of training data generation, bias can be created.

A notable example of this is seen in Netflix, where there are is a human factor that drives bias: Netflix exclusives are placed ahead (a show that is a Netflix exclusive means that users will be more likely to stay with Netflix). The bias in this case is Netflix’s prioritzation towards Netflix-produced shows.

Hack 1:

What is another example of a human bias being implemented into an algorithm?

Answer: Tiktok uses human bias to recommend you videos you might like.

Reducing Bias

Programmers should take action to reduce bias in algorithms used for computing innovations as a way of combating existing human biases. Softwares need to be unbiased, consider all everything, and reject human bias.

Things to consider when developing programs:

Hack 2:

What is another way a programmer can reduce bias in their softwares?

Answer: By making software that is generalized for everyone, programmers can reduce bias.

Types of Bias in Software Development

Biases can be embedded at all levels of software development.

It can be intentional or unintentional. Some software development are made for a certain market and ensure that people of certain places or demographics can use them easily. However, this doesn’t mean that they are trying to exclude.

Examples:

Intentional:

Unintentional:

Hack 3:

What are some other examples of intentional and/or unintentional bias in innovations (games, social media, technology, etc.)?

Answer: Intentional bias exists in movies. For example, certain movies are made for different age ranges. Examples of unintentional bias is AI being racist because of differences in the amount of people for each race it was trained on.

Homework

Question 1:

Define “computer bias” in your own words and explain how it can result from intentional or unintentional factors in software development. Give a brief example of this. Explain how programmers can actively work to reduce bias in their algorithms?

Answer: Computer bias is bias that is caused by intentional or unintentional factors such as trying to target a certain age range or a group of people. This can be done on purpose or on accident in the form of data bias. Programmers can reduce bias by making their code generalized for everyone. Programmers can also try to appeal to all audiences to reduce bias.

Question 2:

Briefly describe the two types of bias in software development and provide examples from the gaming industry and social media platforms. How might biases in software design affect user engagement and experiences?

Answer: One example of bias in software development is when AI has bias against a certain group of people because of the data set it was trained on. Because some data sets are biased such that one trait is linked to another trait, the AI trained on that data will make that connection, even if it isn’t valid. Another type of bias in software development is when a game is made to appeal to a certain age range. For example, Roblox is made to appeal to younger audiences, so the designs are more friendly and charming. The games are also light-hearted and silly. These user experiences appeal more to younger audiences, which creates a bias in who plays Roblox.