Episode 13: Dr. Avijit Ghosh and the Importance of Human Agency in AI Development
"AI development in general, like corporate AI development, is divorced from the needs of real people who want real human progress," says Dr. Avijit Ghosh, Technical AI Policy Researcher at Hugging Face.
In this episode of the Responsible AI podcast from The AI Forum, Ghosh emphasizes the importance of aligning AI advancements with genuine human needs.
"What helps humanity more? Using AI to replace knowledge-based jobs or to complete boring tasks like folding the laundry?" Dr. Ghosh raises critical questions as he critiques the current trajectory of AI development. He observes that AI is increasingly being used to replace roles such as coders, digital artists, and content creators, rather than addressing everyday tasks that could genuinely improve quality of life.
Our conversation with Dr. Ghosh delves into the ethical and societal implications of AI, advocating for a shift away from the predominant focus on chatbots and generalized AI models. He argues that the industry's current trajectory often overlooks the potential of AI to address pressing social issues, such as accessibility and scientific discovery. By promoting open-source models and collaborative research, Dr. Ghosh believes that AI can truly democratize technology and empower communities worldwide.
Through his research and advocacy, Dr. Ghosh calls for a more inclusive and thoughtful approach to AI development. He envisions a future where AI serves as a tool for enhancing human agency rather than diminishing it. By fostering open dialogue and collaboration, Ghosh aims to bridge the gap between technological innovation and societal progress, ensuring that AI's benefits are shared by all.
Topics
00:00 AI and Human Agency: A Critical Discussion
05:23 The Corporate Model of AI Development
08:01 Accessibility and Open Science in AI
09:39 Accent Bias and Digital Exclusion in AI
14:30 AI Fairness and Its Vulnerabilities
18:59 AI for Scientific Discovery: A Social Problem
23:22 Cultural Shortcomings of AI
25:58 The Impact of AI on Education and Curiosity
31:58 Understanding AGI and Its Implications
35:19 The Future of AI: A Call for Open Data Sharing
Articles and topics mentioned:
About Dr. Avijit Ghosh: Dr. Avijit Ghosh is the technical AI policy researcher for Hugging Face. He works at the intersection of machine learning, ethics, and policy, aiming to implement fair ML algorithms into the real world.
He has published and peer-reviewed several research papers in top ML and AI Ethics venues, and has organized academic workshops as a member of QueerInAI.
His work has been covered in the press and he’s a much-desired speaker at events including SXSW, MIT Sloan AI Conference, and more.
Learn more about Dr. Avijit Ghosh.
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