Session: Confronting the Digital Divide, AI Echo Chambers, and AI's Impact on Our Decision-Making
Abstract:
This panel discussion wants to highlight the societal dilemma of AI impacting the digital divide, the formation of AI echo chambers, and the profound influence of AI on human decision-making. As we delve into these interconnected issues, our panel aims to shed light on the broader implications for society, organizations, and individuals in an era increasingly guided and focused on AI breakthroughs that promise to bring more efficiency and cost optimization.
The conversation begins by exploring the digital divide—the gap between those who have access to modern information and communication technology and those who do not. We examine how this divide limits opportunities in disadvantaged communities and discuss innovative strategies to bridge this gap, ensuring equitable access to AI technologies and the benefits they bring.
Next, we tackle the phenomenon of AI echo chambers, where algorithm-driven platforms reinforce existing beliefs by selectively presenting information that aligns with user preferences. This segment will analyze how such feedback loops can distort public discourse and individual perceptions, potentially exacerbating societal divisions. We will discuss mechanisms to mitigate these effects and promote a healthier, more diverse informational ecosystem.
Finally, the panel addresses AI's impact on decision-making processes in various domains, including personal and organizational. We explore how AI tools can both aid and complicate decisions, the ethical considerations in delegating decisions to AI, and the balance between enhancing efficiency and preserving human oversight.
Bio
Valeria Sadovykh is a leading expert in the decision making and decision intelligence aspects of AI. She is a Technology Strategist at Microsoft with a focus on leveraging emerging technology and strategic partnerships to solve organisational challenges. Valeria’s expertise, in the utilisation of Industry 4.0 solutions such as Cloud, IoT, AI, Intelligent Automation and Big Data, has shaped the business decisions of various multinational corporations across a range of industries.
Prior to joining Microsoft, Valeria spent 10 years at Big4 Consulting firm (PwC) as a Global Digital Transformation Delivery lead. Valeria has led strategic IT developments involving emerging technology, Industry 4.0, digital transformation, intelligent automation, and mass customization. She has successfully delivered business-critical projects leading to enhanced workplace efficiencies, operational decision-making, sustainable practices, and optimising the customer journey. She has built global cross-cultural teams with experience in the SEAC, Europe, NZ and the US.
In addition to her technology career, Valeria is also actively involved in academia. She has a series of academic and media publications in top tier journals/conference proceedings within Information Systems/Computer Science domains. She holds a PhD in Information Systems from the University of Auckland, New Zealand. Her primary research interests are online decision-making, decision intelligence, human biases, ethical AI, and disruption and adoption of AI and ML.
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Tahmida Mahmud
Tahmida Mahmud is the Director of Engineering, AI at Nauto, Inc leading both the Perception & Data Science teams. The teams develop AI-based algorithms related to critical external safety features (ADAS) and driver monitoring system (DMS) for automotive fleets focusing on development, large-scale deployment, and monitoring of machine learning/deep learning solutions to mitigate distracted driving, prevent collisions, model risk, coach drivers, and contribute to the advancement of self-driving technology.
She received her Masters and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from University of California, Riverside. Her research focus is computer vision and machine learning and she has several publications in her field. She finished her Bachelors in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). She was listed as one of the 30 influential women advancing AI in 2020 by ReWork.