We live in a world where algorithms are increasingly affecting our lives. Whether we can get a job, where to go to school, or even if we can get health insurance- the decisions are no longer made by humans, but by mathematical models. In theory, this would eliminate bias and would be fair for everyone. Unfortunately, that is not the case.
WMDs are already a major part of many people’s lives, especially the minority and the poor. O’Neil stated that if left alone, all the different WMDs would feed off of each other and make society a whole lot worse. To prevent the takeover of WMDs, there would need to be strong regulations, limit what a model can do, and if necessary the elimination of a model. O’Neil proposes that state regulations would measure how the WMDs would impact society and how to control them. I think the government would need to intervene if WMDs are left alone. Putting regulations and limitations on WMDs would prevent the negative feedback loops to spread. In certain cases, the best thing to do is to just eliminate the WMDs. WMDs such as the crime model and the employment model can easily put minority and poor people in a loop of crime and poverty. In such case, giving up efficacy for proper human treatment is necessary.
As for social justice topics, I am interested in how society develop the views it has on immigrate, refugees, and people of other religion. How does models affect the way people see them? How does the information we are provided affect the way we see people outside of our country? Are WMDs able to control our beliefs?
David J's LC Blog 