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Computer Bias
What Is Computer Bias?
- Unfair preferences built into a computer system
- Data issues (missing data about certain people or situations)
- Design choices where developers assume everyone uses the product the same way
- Testing groups may miss feedback from the broader population
- Humans are behind every tech tool, and our biases can show up unintentionally
Everyday Examples of Bias
- Netflix recommendations: leans on past choices, tends to show the same genres repeatedly
- Virtual assistants: defaults like Siri or Alexa often use female voices, reinforcing stereotypes of women as helpers or assistants
- Social media platforms: apps like Facebook and TikTok favor different demographics through design, marketing, and trends
Case Study: HP Camera Bias
- HP camera couldn’t track faces with darker skin tones
- Issue occurred because testing was only done with people of lighter skin tones
Avoiding Bias in Technology
- Expand and diversify datasets
- Encourage diverse development teams
- Thorough testing with a wide range of users
- Document design assumptions clearly
Why It Matters
- Reducing bias can help create a more inclusive and fair world