Making sense of our connected world

Myth: AI understands me, but I can’t understand it
Everyone can and should understand how AI works, so that – rather than be intimidated or misled by algorithmic decision-making – we can contribute multiple perspectives to designing and implementing the systems that impact us all differently.
Myth
AI understands me, but I can’t understand it.

AI ist NOT smarter than us. AI should be understandable and accessible.
Watch the talk
Material
Folien der Präsentation | |
SCHLÜSSELLITERATUR Crawford, K. & Paglen, T. (2019, September 19). Excavating AI: The Politics of Images in Machine Learning Training Sets. Timnit Gebru. (2021, April 14). The Hierarchy of Knowledge in Machine Learning & Related Fields and Its Consequences. Zubarev, V. (2018, November 21). Machine Learning for Everyone. ZUSATZLITERATUR Griffith, C. (2017). Visualizing Algorithms. Kogan, G. (n.d.). Neural networks. Retrieved 18 May 2021. McPherson, T., & Parham, M. (2019, October 24). ‘What is a Feminist Lab?’ Symposium. | |
UNICORN IN THE FIELD Algorithmic Justice League Color Coded LA Data Nutrition Project School of Machines, Making, & Make-Believe |
About the author

Sarah Ciston (she/they) is a Virtual Fellow at the Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society, and a Mellon Fellow and PhD Candidate in Media Arts + Practice at University of Southern California. Their research investigates how to bring intersectionality to artificial intelligence by employing queer, feminist, and anti-racist ethics and tactics. They lead Creative Code Collective—a student community for co-learning programming using approachable, interdisciplinary strategies. Their projects include a machine-learning interface that ‘rewrites’ the inner critic and a chatbot that explains feminism to online misogynists. They are currently developing a library of digital-print zines on Intersectional AI.
Why, AI?
This post is part of our project “Why, AI?”. It is a learning space which helps you to find out more about the myths and truths surrounding automation, algorithms, society and ourselves. It is continuously being filled with new contributions.
This post represents the view of the author and does not necessarily represent the view of the institute itself. For more information about the topics of these articles and associated research projects, please contact info@hiig.de.

You will receive our latest blog articles once a month in a newsletter.
Artificial intelligence and society
Artificial intelligence with purpose: Mapping the landscape of public interest AI
How is AI being used for the common good? A new dataset is mapping the landscape of public interest AI by cataloguing impactful projects worldwide.
Who hired this bot? On the ambivalence of using generative AI in recruiting
Generative AI in recruiting promises efficiency, but may also quietly undermine the human connection that HR decisions and candidate fit rely on.
Polished yet impersonal: The unintended consequences of writing your emails with AI
AI-written emails can save workers time and improve clarity – but are we losing connection, nuance, and communication skills in the process?