In an effort to shine a spotlight on deserving women academics and professionals in the AI domain, companies are embarking on a series of interviews highlighting the contributions of remarkable women who have played a pivotal role in the AI revolution. As the AI landscape continues to burgeon, several profiles throughout the year have been explored, spotlighting significant work that often remains underrecognized.
Kate Devlin, currently a lecturer in AI and society at King’s College London, delves into the ethical and societal implications of technology and intimacy in her book “Turned On: Science, Sex and Robots.” Her research endeavors revolve around examining how individuals interact with and respond to technologies, spanning both historical and futuristic contexts.
Devlin’s involvement in directing advocacy and engagement for the Trusted Autonomous Systems Hub underscores her commitment to fostering the development of socially beneficial robotics and AI systems. Additionally, as a board member of the Open Rights Group, she contributes to the preservation of digital rights and freedoms.
Q&A
How did you initially venture into the realm of Artificial Intelligence, and what drew you to this field?
Originally an archaeologist, I transitioned across disciplines and eventually pursued a Ph.D. in computer science in 2004. My aim was to amalgamate these fields, but my focus gradually shifted towards human-computer interaction, exploring people’s interactions with AI and robots, along with the reception of such technologies.
What accomplishments in the AI field do you hold in high regard?
I take pride in witnessing the evolution of the study of intimacy and AI as a legitimate academic domain. The ongoing research in this area is truly remarkable. What was once considered niche and improbable is now demonstrating significant advancements, with individuals forming meaningful relationships with chatbots.
How do you navigate the challenges posed by the predominantly male-centric tech and AI industries?
I choose not to navigate them actively. Instead, I persevere amidst the persisting sexism prevalent in these industries. Perhaps the solution isn’t about conforming to a stereotypical model of success. We require more women in prominent leadership positions and a concerted effort to combat sexism starting from schools and extending beyond. Addressing the “leaky pipeline” phenomenon is crucial; the recent increase in women entering AI and tech is attributed to the rise in remote work, aligning better with childcare responsibilities that predominantly fall on women. Let’s advocate for more flexibility until caregiving burdens are equitably shared.
What advice would you offer to women aspiring to join the AI field?
Remember, you have every right to occupy as much space as your male counterparts.
What do you perceive as the most urgent challenges confronting the evolution of AI?
The paramount issues revolve around responsibility and accountability. There’s an ongoing narrative steeped in technological determinism, portraying an ominous trajectory. However, it’s crucial to recognize that alternative paths are viable. While many of the challenges aren’t novel, their magnitude and scope render them particularly intricate.
What considerations should AI users bear in mind?
Beyond technical aspects, users should remain vigilant about late-stage capitalism’s impact. It’s imperative to scrutinize data provenance, ethical practices of providers, and their track record of social responsibility. Essentially, would you trust them with something as vital as your oxygen supply on Mars?
How can AI be developed responsibly?
Responsible development necessitates a combination of regulation and ethical consciousness.
What steps can investors take to advocate for responsible AI practices?
From a business perspective, prioritizing ethical considerations yields happier customers. Genuine commitment to ethics transcends mere lip service. Investors should hold companies accountable for integrating human rights, labor ethics, sustainability, and social impact into their AI supply chain.
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