Browsing by Subject "gender effects of AI"

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) has globally exploded in recent years. While AI brings numerous benefits, it is crucial to understand its negative effects to address them effectively. One significant concern is the presence of discriminatory biases within AI, leading to phenomena that affect various groups unequally. Recently, many official bodies have expressed concerns about the adverse impacts of AI on gender equality. The goal of this thesis is to identify the most central phenomena and the main reasons that lead to phenomena created by artificial intelligence that negatively affect gender equality. The study employs thematic analysis to examine the content of the expert interviews and compares these insights with existing research. By analyzing the interviews, this research aims to identify the most frequently mentioned phenomena to effectively address the research questions. The participants include seven experts based in Finland with expertise in AI and/or technology and gender equality. The study is framed through the lenses of technofeminism and intersectionality participating in the feminist technoscience field. The research identifies several AI-generated phenomena that negatively impact gender equality, including the reinforcement of gendered harmful stereotypes, technology based gendered violence, discriminatory automated decision-making, and gendered job replacement. Specific issues discussed under these themes include stereotypical image and text generation, feminization and domestication of AI, deepfakes, other forms of gender-based violence, chatbot girlfriends, and discrimination in recruitment processes and loan approvals. Moreover, the interviews highlight the male-dominated nature of the AI field and biased data as significant factors contributing to these adverse phenomena. In conclusion, this study aims to outline experts' views on which are the most central phenomena related to the increased use of artificial intelligence, which negatively affect gender equality. The thesis underlines that unequal societal structures are mirrored in the development and application of artificial intelligence. Without careful attention, artificial intelligence does exacerbate and deepen gender inequalities.