Dr. Sunday Joseph Ayodabo, a distinguished researcher based in the United States, delves into the intricate relationship between gender bias in artificial intelligence (AI) and the pervasive framework of surveillance capitalism. With a rich background in interdisciplinary studies ranging from masculinities to children’s literature and gender studies, Dr. Ayodabo’s current focus on AI and surveillance capitalism stems from his expertise in analyzing cultural texts and understanding societal implications.
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Gender bias in AI within surveillance capitalism warrants collaborative efforts for ethical development– Dr. Sunday Joseph Ayodabo, 2023
Drawing from his previous research on masculinity in Nigerian children’s literature, Dr. Ayodabo highlights how gender stereotypes entrenched in traditional literary forms now find expression and transformation in digital technologies and AI. He underscores the continuity from past literary representations to contemporary digital media, emphasizing the importance of analyzing how gender norms persist or evolve in new technological contexts.
Dr. Ayodabo’s motivation to delve into AI and gender within the surveillance capitalism framework was sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic’s acceleration of digitization and AI adoption. He identifies a concerning trend wherein AI virtual assistants, such as Alexa, Siri, and Cortana, often embody feminine attributes, voices, and behaviors, reinforcing historical gender biases. Moreover, these AI entities, cloaked in feminine personas, facilitate data collection and surveillance, blurring the lines between convenience and exploitation within the platform economy. Living and conducting research in the U.S., a tech-forward society, has heightened Dr. Ayodabo’s awareness of AI’s pervasive influence and its implications for privacy and social dynamics. He observes firsthand the deployment of AI-powered surveillance technologies, such as facial recognition systems, by law enforcement agencies, raising ethical concerns regarding privacy infringement and gender bias.
Recognizing the need for collaborative efforts, Dr. Ayodabo advocates for partnerships with U.S. scholars to address gender bias in AI algorithms and their impact on marginalized groups. Collaborative projects, such as developing ethical guidelines for AI systems like Cortana, exemplify a concerted effort to ensure fairness, privacy protection, and the mitigation of bias in AI technologies. In considering the relevance of his work to Africa, Dr. Ayodabo emphasizes the critical role of his research in informing policy and practice amidst the continent’s digital transformation. By shedding light on how AI can perpetuate gender disparities and surveillance capitalism, his work contributes to crafting inclusive digital policies that prioritize privacy, gender equity, and ethical AI development.
Finally, Dr. Ayodabo underscores the intersection and divergence of AI systems and government policies between the U.S. and African contexts. While the U.S. boasts robust regulatory frameworks and technological infrastructure, African nations face challenges in policy formulation and technological adoption. However, these challenges present opportunities for African countries to tailor governance models that align with their socio-cultural contexts and development aspirations.
In summary, Dr. Ayodabo’s scholarship illuminates the urgent need to address gender bias in AI within the context of surveillance capitalism, emphasizing collaboration, ethical considerations, and inclusive policy development for a more equitable digital future.
The African Research (AR) Index is a comprehensive scholarly directory and database focused explicitly on journal publishers that publish and disseminate African research.
