On Machine Intelligence

Journal 8 - 4/9/2024

I recently watched a TED talk on machine intelligence and human morals. I found it to be very stimulating and well worth the watch. Let us delve into the answers to some big questions like “How are machine decisions subjective, open-ended, and value-laden?”, “What are the implications when social media software gets more complex and less transparent?”, “How might we create accountability, auditing, and meaningful transparency in social media?”, and “What is our moral responsibility for judgment in digital life?”
1. How are machine decisions subjective, open-ended, and value-laden?
Machine decisions can be subjective because they often involve interpreting human behavior or preferences, which can vary widely among individuals. For example, algorithms used in social media platforms may decide what content to show users based on their past behavior, preferences, and interactions. These decisions are subjective because they rely on complex calculations that attempt to predict what users might find engaging or relevant. Additionally, machine decisions can be open-ended because they often involve making choices in situations with no single correct answer. For instance, algorithms used to recommend products or content must weigh various factors, such as user preferences, popularity, and relevance, leading to many possible outcomes. Moreover, machine decisions are value-laden because they reflect the values and priorities embedded in the algorithms and the data used to train them. For example, algorithms designed to optimize user engagement may prioritize sensational or controversial content over accurate or informative content, reflecting a value system prioritizing attention-grabbing content over factual accuracy or societal well-being.

2. What are the implications when social media software gets more complex and less transparent?
As social media software evolves, becoming more complex and less transparent, a troubling trend emerges. Users find it increasingly difficult to understand how their data is being used and how algorithmic decisions are being made. This lack of transparency can erode trust in social media platforms, leading to concerns about privacy, manipulation, and bias. Users may feel powerless to control their digital experiences and may become more susceptible to manipulation by algorithms designed to maximize user engagement or advertising revenue. The complexity of social media software can exacerbate issues such as filter bubbles and echo chambers, where users are exposed primarily to content that aligns with their existing beliefs and preferences, leading to polarization and misinformation.
3. How might we create accountability, auditing, and meaningful transparency in social media?
Creating accountability, auditing, and meaningful transparency in social media requires a multifaceted approach involving collaboration between technology companies, regulators, researchers, and users. One approach is implementing clear and enforceable regulations governing data privacy, algorithmic transparency, and user rights. This could include requirements for companies to disclose how algorithms are used to make decisions, provide users with greater control over their data, and undergo independent audits to assess compliance with regulatory standards. Additionally, technology companies can proactively design algorithms and user interfaces that prioritize transparency and user empowerment, such as providing users with explanations for algorithmic decisions and options for controlling their digital experiences. Furthermore, researchers and civil society organizations can be crucial in scrutinizing social media platforms and holding them accountable for their practices through advocacy, investigative journalism, and public awareness campaigns.
4. What is our moral responsibility for judgment in digital life?
Our moral responsibility for judgment in digital life is not a passive one. It's about actively engaging with the ethical considerations of digital technologies. As users, we have a responsibility to critically evaluate the implications of our actions and decisions, both for ourselves and for others. This includes being mindful of the impact of our online behavior on privacy, security, and human rights, as well as actively advocating for ethical standards and accountability in the design and use of digital technologies. As members of society, we have a collective responsibility to participate in public discourse and policymaking processes aimed at shaping the ethical and legal frameworks governing digital technologies. By actively engaging with these issues and advocating for ethical principles such as accountability, transparency, and social justice, we can help ensure that digital technologies serve the common good and uphold fundamental human values.