A People’s Guide to Artificial Intelligence

What do listening to music, taking a flight, and getting stopped by the police all have in common? You might not realize it, but these
actions could all involve artificial intelligence (AI) at work. From cars that drive themselves to computer programs that can talk with humans, AI-based technologies are being deployed across all parts of society. This means that they’re used in everyday spaces (like typing a text message) and in more serious situations (like deciding who is more likely to commit crime). Because these technologies can process lots of information and make complex tasks more efficient, AI presents huge opportunities for societal change. But who gets to decide what that change looks like and who it will affect? As we learn to deal with new technologies, we also have to learn how to deal with the challenges that surround them. AI, in particular, prompts two big questions for us as a public to consider: What does fairness look like when computers shape decision-making? Who is creating the future, and how can we ensure that these creators reflect diverse communities and complex social dynamics?