The Bias of Algorithms We have all heard the term ‘algorithm’ being used more and more lately, especially in regards to social media…but what are they? Why are they being discussed, and what makes them so potentially problematic? Algorithms were initially created for the computer to take time-consuming, mundane tasks out of human hands, things like calculating, collecting data, noticing patterns, and now recommending, excluding, filtering, enhancing engagement, and advertising. A programmer uses a set of instructions to tell the computer what to do, such as finding out how many qualified applicants have applied for a job, or which social media posts get the most likes, and the instructions keep piling on, the algorithm will then detect or get instructed on what to do with that information, how to organise it and what to include/exclude based on what the users want. Fast forward and it has expanded to almost every aspect of our daily lives and the driving force 16
behind the future of Artificial Intelligence, through instructions on top of instructions and data on data on data, until the emotionless computer begins making deductions and conclusions for itself……(shivers). This might all sound like a dystopian future, but it’s happening right now, from Police using algorithms to calculate where the most threat and risk to the public is, job applications being filtered, to social media choosing for you what you see and don’t see online. Even CCTV and government tracking use algorithms to understand all the data they receive on a daily basis. You wouldn’t be wrong in thinking this is all very intelligent and has made many people’s lives easier, I mean, why would I not want Netflix to recommend me types of content that it knows I enjoy? However, as clever as it is, its not without its faults, and these faults can have lasting consequences.
