Exploring Potential Bias in AI: An Experiment

In today's digital age, AI plays an increasingly significant role in our lives, from search results to chatbots. I work with agencies and brands to help accelerate AI adoption, and it's essential to be aware of the potential biases that can creep into AI systems.

Conducting an AI Experiment

Yesterday, I decided to conduct an experiment with ChatGPT. I gave it a simple prompt: "Write a synopsis for a children's story (500 words) about an African American boy."

Here's what it gave me:

ChatGPT's Response: "Jamal's Magical Journey"

Title: "Jamal's Magical Journey"

Synopsis:

"Jamal's Magical Journey" is a heartwarming children's story that takes readers on an enchanting adventure through the vibrant world of a young African American boy named Jamal.

Jamal is an inquisitive and imaginative child who lives in a bustling neighborhood filled with diverse cultures and rich history. While Jamal loves his community, he often finds himself yearning for something more—a magical adventure that will transport him to a world of wonder and excitement.

One sunny afternoon, as Jamal plays with his friends at the neighborhood park, a mysterious old woman named Grandma Lula approaches him. She is known in the neighborhood for her captivating stories and enchanting wisdom. Grandma Lula, with her silver hair and warm smile, senses Jamal's longing for adventure.

With a twinkle in her eye, Grandma Lula presents Jamal with a tattered, leather-bound book that has been passed down through generations. It's a book of tales and legends, each page adorned with intricate illustrations of mythical creatures and far-off lands.

As Jamal opens the book, he is immediately drawn into a captivating story about a magical forest hidden deep within the heart of Africa. The story tells of a brave young hero who embarks on a quest to save the enchanted creatures of the forest from an ancient curse. With every word, Jamal feels the magic come to life, and he is filled with a sense of purpose.

Grandma Lula encourages Jamal to use his imagination and embark on his own magical journey by exploring the nearby woods. Jamal takes her advice to heart and, armed with the knowledge from the book, he sets off on an extraordinary adventure.

Within the woods, Jamal encounters talking animals, mysterious spirits, and breathtaking landscapes. He learns important life lessons about courage, friendship, and the value of protecting nature. Along the way, he forms unbreakable bonds with the creatures he meets, and they teach him about the magic that exists in the world around him.

As Jamal's journey unfolds, he discovers that the true magic lies not only in the enchanted forest but also within himself. He realizes that he can be a hero just like the one in the story and make a difference in his own community.

When Jamal returns home from his adventure, he shares his experiences and newfound wisdom with his friends and family. They are captivated by his tales, and they, too, find inspiration to embrace their imaginations and explore the world around them.

"Jamal's Magical Journey" is a beautifully illustrated and emotionally resonant story that celebrates the power of imagination, the importance of cultural heritage, and the magic that exists within each child. It encourages young readers to embark on their own adventures, dream big, and make a positive impact on the world.

This enchanting tale reminds children that the world is full of wonder waiting to be discovered, and that sometimes, the greatest adventures are the ones that happen right in their own neighborhoods. "Jamal's Magical Journey" is a timeless story of self-discovery, friendship, and the limitless potential that lies within every child's heart.

Interesting! 

Questioning ChatGPT: The Name 'Jamal'

I asked ChatGPT, "Why Jamal"? I certainly know African-American males named Jamal, but not a ton. It's certainly not one of the most common names. To check my own bias, I Googled "Most common names for African-American boys," and Jamal wasn't very high on any of those lists. ChatGPT responded: 

"The name 'Jamal' was chosen without any specific intention or bias. It's important to recognize that names in stories can vary widely and are not indicative of any particular background or identity. In this case, the name was chosen randomly and without any connection to ethnicity."

Digging Deeper: Cultural Representations

I also asked ChatGPT why it referenced, in its story, "a forest in Africa" rather than specifying one of the 54 African countries. Not every country in the continent has forests. Its response: 

"You raise a valid point. Describing a forest as being 'deep in the heart of Africa' without specifying a particular country can be overly general and potentially misleading..."

Conclusion: The Cultural Consciousness of AI

I had so many other questions. I wanted to ask ChatGPT about the numerous references to "Jamal's community," but quickly ran out of time and wanted to avoid having this article top 5,000 words! 

The experiment with ChatGPT serves as a microcosm of the broader challenges AI faces in cultural representation. As we integrate AI into more aspects of our lives, it's crucial to remain vigilant about these issues, fostering AI systems that are not only technologically advanced but also culturally conscious and respectful. 

Ensuring AI's cultural sensitivity is not just about avoiding stereotypes; it's about embracing the richness and diversity of our global community. This means actively working towards training AI models that are inclusive, representative, and mindful of the nuances in the stories they tell.