Episode 39: Artificial Un-Intelligence
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“If you’re going to use a computer to make a social decision, like who gets a loan or who should be a tenant, don’t do it. Run in the opposite direction.”
Meredith Broussard is dispelling the myth that computers are intelligent, impartial players in decision making. A data journalist and associate professor at the Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute of New York University, research director at the NYU Alliance for Public Interest Technology, and the author of Artificial Unintelligence: How Computers Misunderstand the World, Broussard is dedicated to helping people avoid AI in social decisions in order to break the chain of systemic bias she believes is baked into many software programs. Because many programs rely on historical data, which itself includes bias, she believes many programs - especially those used in social decisions - end up perpetuating inequity. And, some of these programs could get users into legal trouble.
In this discussion, Meredith warns REALTORS® to avoid programs that could hold them legally liable and create bias in their decisions, what to look for when using artificial intelligence and the kind of questions you need to ask vendors before using their products.
You can follow Meredith on Twitter @merbroussard and check her work as well as stay updated on upcoming books at meredithbroussard.com.
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