Just Machine Learning

We live in the age of algorithmically infused societies in which human and algorithmic behavior are intertwined. Can we shape the use of such tools to improve our society? Consider generative AI tools such as ChatGPT and Gemini. They have no expertise in any field, are prone to falsehoods (“hallucinations”) and adversarial attacks, yet are often treated like experts. Such tools increase epistemic instability. The relationship between a person and a generative AI is also exaggerated by the sense of familiarity one feels when using the tools. The lack of effective oversight and accountability for this technology exacerbates these issues. How can we govern a technology that is mutating so rapidly? A digtally savvy public is an essential part of the solution.

Tina Eliassi-Rad is the inaugural President Joseph E. Aoun Professor at Northeastern University, an External Professor at the Santa Fe Institute and the Vermont Complex Systems Center. She works at the intersection of artificial intelligence and network science, and is interested in the impact of science and technology on society. Her algorithms have been integrated into systems used by governments, industry, and open-source software.