Exploring AI: A Cautionary Tale on American Data Dominance
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Chapter 1: The Impact of AI on Our Future
Artificial Intelligence is currently reshaping our reality, but we must question what kind of future we are crafting by accepting every outcome as fact. As an educator focused on the intersection of futures, nature, and cultures, I am captivated by advancements in AI and self-learning technologies. Collaborating with experts in spectrometry and major AI corporations, I observe the rollout of The Spatial Web across the EU.
We are on the brink of reclaiming our identities through localized routers. This shift addresses numerous concerns, including privacy and phishing threats. With this newfound control, I can share my data selectively and maintain ownership over it. The EU is pioneering this approach, leading the way in technological transformation.
Our initiatives under Abundanism revolve around utilizing seaweed as a sustainable resource for food, animal feed, fertilizers, and textiles. We are fostering healthy fashion, cosmetics, and building practices while creating vibrant local economies supported by community currencies in metaverse environments.
Currently, we are partnering with the European Space Agency to harness data from the ocean and atmosphere, cultivating seaweed in innovative, self-navigating platforms to nurture marine life. As we work towards rejuvenating our oceans, we recognize the pressing issues of urban density and environmental degradation caused by concrete and asphalt structures. The looming threats of rising sea levels, earthquakes, and volcanic activity highlight the necessity for dynamic solutions in water management.
In our think-and-do-tank, Abundanism, we aim to redesign the future through four interlinked flows:
- Materials: Utilizing waste streams efficiently in industrial zones.
- Money: Innovating economic models based on insights from economists such as Mariana Mazzucato and Stephanie Kelton, aiming for fair distribution through blockchain technology.
- People: Understanding the movement of diverse groups, including eco-travelers and students.
- Information: Using communication and mathematical principles as the foundation for understanding our planet.
The future appears promising as we evolve into a species that adapts to its environment.
Where Do Datasets Come From?
However, alongside my students, I delve into the origins of the AI knowledge we employ. Understanding our history is key to shaping a better tomorrow. Unfortunately, I discover that much of the AI landscape is built on biased datasets that predominantly reflect white, male, elite perspectives, primarily from the United States. This is not the legacy I wish to leave for future generations.
The benchmark datasets serve as a reference for scientists worldwide, determining how effectively their models can recognize text, speech, and imagery. Yet, glaring gaps exist in representation. Where are the voices from South America, Africa, or even parts of Europe? Shouldn't we strive for datasets that encompass a broader cultural spectrum? Achieving true wisdom in AI development necessitates diverse, multi-national perspectives to avoid repeating historical missteps.
Goddess Archetypes and Societal Reflections
I find myself frustrated with the prevailing patriarchal norms that dominate our societies. The obsession with wealth and status often overshadows the true essence of richness, which lies in time, freedom, meaning, and connection. I grow weary of male-dominated narratives surrounding health and spirituality, which often neglect the nuances of women's health issues.
The archetypes of Athena, Artemis, and Aphrodite resonate with me, as they embody the multifaceted nature of existence that we all share. Living at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, I dream of a world rich in diversity across cultures and generations.
Why can't we envision an Abundance for All?
Let’s reimagine our cities through the lenses of nature—mosquitoes and rivers—ensuring access to clean water and preventing diseases like malaria. Multi-species and complex flow systems can guide us to healthier ecosystems.
Consider the Sensorium of Newton Harrison, a digital twin brimming with Gaia's wisdom. Together, we can craft futures rooted in sensory experiences, rituals, and intuition, dancing harmoniously between land and sea.
Architectural innovations driven by the Superformula, as demonstrated by German architects LAVA, showcase the potential for creating resilient structures.
Why Not America?
So, why would we seek AI solutions from a nation marked by uninspired urban landscapes and a lack of walkable spaces? I find little to admire in the American political sphere, which seems to oscillate between elitism and ignorance, with pressing issues like Julian Assange's unjust imprisonment overshadowing calls for transparency.
America often appears entrenched in outdated paradigms, failing to embrace the interconnected solutions emerging from Europe, Asia, and Africa. The superficiality of its cultural narratives can mask the profound, intricate paths available to create a healthier future.
I encourage my American friends to reflect on the vibrant possibilities unfolding worldwide. Embracing a more complex and interconnected reality can lead to profound transformations.
A Better Future
As Mike and I work towards crafting healthier, more diverse urban environments, we draw on the insights from our multifaceted backgrounds. True leadership, as echoed by Dr. Maya Angelou, hinges on the concept of "Just Do Right."
Dr. Maya Angelou's powerful words remind us of the need for integrity in our actions.
Engage with AI thoughtfully, ensuring you understand its origins and implications. While intuition plays a crucial role, we must remain vigilant against confirmation bias. Our minds may deceive us into seeking validation rather than truth.
AI has the potential to create digital twins for envisioning improved futures, but citizen input is vital to ensure accuracy. Harnessing critical thinking to navigate the four flows will be essential in shaping a better world.
Let us strive to "Just Do Right" and build a future that reflects the beauty of interconnectedness and diversity.
Thank you, Gaia, for inspiring my Wild Writing.
© Désirée Driesenaar, 2023
Edward Santow discusses the dangers of over-reliance on automated tools in addressing bias.
This video delves into the foundational elements of fostering a data culture during transformation.