Study Shows Online Images Fuel Gender Bias as Visual Consumption Skyrockets

Published

2 weeks ago

November 4, 2024

RTX

A new study highlights how the deluge of online images may be subtly shaping our perceptions, revealing that search engine imagery is reinforcing gender stereotypes in a way that text-based searches do not. As more than 6 hours a day is spent online on average, visual input from social media feeds, websites, and digital ads contributes to a cycle that may be increasing implicit biases in society.

The recent research analyzed image search results for various occupations on platforms like Google, Wikipedia, and IMDb. It found that images were overwhelmingly gendered, particularly in fields historically viewed as male- or female-dominated. For example, searches for “heart surgeon,” “investment banker,” or “developer” predominantly returned images of men, while terms like “housekeeper” and “nurse practitioner” were associated almost exclusively with women.

The study went beyond just measuring bias in search results. Researchers conducted an experiment where 423 U.S. participants used Google to search for occupations, with some participants receiving visual representations through Google Images while others used text-based Google News searches. Those exposed to image results displayed a marked increase in implicit gender biases, as measured by a standard association test, even days after the experiment. The findings highlight the impact of image-heavy platforms like Instagram and TikTok in normalizing biased visuals, raising concerns that the sheer volume of gender-stereotyped images might be entrenching outdated perceptions.

Vicious Cycle of AI and Bias

The problem extends to AI models, which are trained on vast repositories of online content, including stereotyped images. When users ask AI platforms like ChatGPT to visualize various professions, they often receive outputs that reflect existing biases. A request for images of “doctor” or “scientist,” for example, may yield predominantly white male figures, reinforcing societal stereotypes. Similarly, descriptors such as “successful” or “smart” also skew heavily towards images of white men, reflecting the biases embedded in the data used to train these systems.

The study’s authors warn that this cycle could worsen as AI tools continue to rely on biased online content. “The rise of images in popular internet culture may come at a critical social cost,” they write, noting that these biases not only influence AI outputs but also shape user perceptions. The more biased imagery we encounter, the more normalized these stereotypes become, perpetuating a feedback loop of implicit bias.

Seeking Solutions and Reclaiming Visual Space

Amid growing concerns, experts point to several solutions to mitigate the spread of biased visual content. Technology companies bear much responsibility, though attempts to address the issue have sometimes led to overcorrections. Google’s AI tool Gemini, for instance, has been criticized for inserting diversity where it historically wouldn’t exist, sometimes producing historically inaccurate imagery. Yet, even with the best intentions, fixing ingrained biases remains a challenge for tech firms.

One approach recommended for individuals is to curate their social media feeds to follow diverse creators and photographers from around the world. Another option is the “digital detox,” as outlined in art entrepreneur Marine Tanguy’s The Visual Detox: How to Consume Media Without Letting It Consume You, which suggests limiting screen time and reclaiming time away from devices. Tanguy advocates setting daily app timers, deleting unused apps, and spending time outdoors to reduce reliance on screens.

Perhaps most importantly, experts stress the value of self-awareness in understanding how digital imagery influences our beliefs and perceptions. Unlike previous generations, modern users encounter a constant stream of images that subtly shape their worldviews. For much of human history, art and visual media were limited, yet today’s image-saturated environment is altering how we see others and ourselves, often without conscious realization.

As visual culture continues to expand online, recognizing these subtle influences may be crucial in building a more balanced and less biased digital world.

Technology

UK Considers Social Media Ban for Under-16s Amid Safety Concerns

Published

13 hours ago

November 20, 2024

RTX

The UK government is exploring a potential ban on social media for under-16s, according to Technology Secretary Peter Kyle. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Kyle emphasized that safeguarding children online is a top priority, stating he would “do what it takes” to ensure their safety.

Kyle also announced plans for further research into the effects of technology, including social media and smartphones, on young people. He noted the lack of “firm, peer-reviewed evidence” on the matter and said such data would inform future decisions.

Online Safety Act Enforcement

The announcement coincides with Kyle’s “letter of strategic intent” to Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, which will soon gain new enforcement powers under the Online Safety Act (OSA). The OSA, set to take effect in 2024, requires tech companies to take greater responsibility for the content on their platforms, particularly to shield children from harmful material.

Kyle stressed the importance of assertive regulation, calling on Ofcom to fully utilize its authority under the Act. “I just want to make sure that Ofcom knows that government expects them to be used,” he said.

Under the OSA, social media and messaging platforms face steep fines—potentially in the billions—if they fail to comply. Some platforms have already introduced changes, such as Instagram’s new teen accounts and Roblox’s ban on young children messaging others.

Calls for Broader Action

The Molly Rose Foundation, a campaign group advocating for online safety, welcomed Kyle’s efforts but urged the government to strengthen the OSA. “The public and parents back an updated Act that embeds an overarching duty of care on tech firms,” the group posted on social media platform X, calling for swift action from the Prime Minister.

Legal experts have cautioned that banning social media for young people is only part of the solution. Iona Silverman, a lawyer at Freeths, described the measure as “a drop in an ocean-sized problem,” pointing out that teenagers may still find ways to access harmful content. She called for a broader cultural shift and more proactive legislation to address the issue.

Lessons from Australia

The UK’s deliberations come after Australia announced plans to ban social media for children under 16. When asked if the UK would adopt a similar policy, Kyle said, “Everything is on the table,” but stressed the need for evidence-based decisions.

Smartphone Use Under Scrutiny

The debate extends beyond social media to smartphone usage among young people. Parliament is reviewing a private member’s bill addressing digital safety for children, with input from the Healthcare Professionals for Safer Screens group. Founder and GP Rebecca Foljambe highlighted growing concerns among health professionals about smartphone overuse.

While the government has stopped short of banning smartphones in schools, it has issued guidelines to promote effective restrictions. Kyle previously stated that the “battle over phone use in schools had been won.”

Critics, however, continue to call for more decisive action to protect children in an increasingly digital world.

Technology

Autonomous Vehicles Face Hurdles in Gaining Public Trust, Despite Rapid Growth

Published

3 days ago

November 18, 2024

RTX

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are already racking up millions of miles on public roads, but convincing the public to embrace driverless rides remains a significant challenge.

A recent ride in one of Waymo’s self-driving cars through San Francisco highlighted the growing familiarity with this technology. The sight of driverless vehicles is no longer an uncommon one, and tourists no longer seem amazed as they pass by. Inside the vehicle, Waymo aims to ease passengers’ nerves by offering a welcoming atmosphere—personalized greetings, music, and screens displaying the route and surroundings—helping them feel more connected to the ride. The technology is designed to inspire trust, showing passengers what the vehicle “sees” as it navigates the streets.

Waymo’s efforts are part of a larger push in the autonomous ride-hailing industry. Although self-driving vehicles are operational in select cities worldwide, public hesitation remains a key barrier. Research indicates that safety concerns are one of the biggest hurdles for passengers in the U.S. and the U.K., with many still unsure about the technology’s reliability compared to traditional vehicles.

To address this, Waymo focuses on transparency. “It’s important that passengers understand where the car is going and know it sees what they see,” says Megan Neese, Waymo’s head of product and customer research. The company’s next generation of cars will feature forward-facing seats and a steering wheel, echoing the traditional taxi experience that could make passengers feel more at ease.

Launched in 2020, Waymo—owned by Alphabet, Google’s parent company—now provides 150,000 paid rides weekly across San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix. While still small compared to ride-hailing giant Uber, which facilitates about 200 million trips globally each week, Waymo’s market is expanding.

Competitors like Amazon-backed Zoox are also working to gain consumer confidence. Zoox’s vehicle, set to debut in 2025, offers a drastically different experience. It is bi-directional with no windows or steering wheel, and instead, passengers sit facing each other, enjoying the ride in a more relaxed, amusement-park-like environment. To further build trust, Zoox has introduced a “Fusion Center,” where human operators can intervene remotely if necessary, similar to Waymo’s own response team.

In contrast, General Motors’ Cruise is working to overcome setbacks after a high-profile incident in 2023, in which one of its vehicles dragged a pedestrian. Despite this, Cruise has continued testing in Phoenix, Houston, and Dallas, with safety drivers behind the wheel.

The global push for autonomous vehicles is gaining traction, particularly in the U.S. and China. Waymo currently operates the largest fleet of autonomous vehicles in the U.S., with plans to expand to Austin and Atlanta by 2025. Meanwhile, China leads the world in testing, with over 16,000 autonomous vehicles approved for use in more than 20 cities.

Despite progress, widespread adoption remains a challenge. As regulatory frameworks evolve and AV technology advances, convincing the public to fully embrace autonomous vehicles will be crucial to the industry’s success. With companies like Zoox and Waymo competing for consumer trust, the future of self-driving taxis may hinge on how well passengers are able to trust and feel comfortable with the ride.

Technology

Electric Flying Taxis Face Turbulence Amid Financial and Technical Challenges

Published

6 days ago

November 15, 2024

RTX

Efforts to revolutionize urban air transport with electric flying taxis are hitting significant headwinds as key players in the industry face mounting financial pressures and technical challenges.

Among the most high-profile setbacks is the case of Volocopter, the German firm that had promised to debut its two-seater electric aircraft, the VoloCity, at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Instead of ferrying passengers, Volocopter was limited to demonstration flights, as the company scrambled behind the scenes to secure funding.

Failed attempts to secure a €100 million loan from the German government have pushed Volocopter to rely on Chinese automaker Geely, which is in talks to acquire an 85% stake in exchange for $95 million in funding. If finalized, the deal may see manufacturing shift to China, raising questions about the future of Volocopter’s operations in Europe.

Financial Struggles Across the Industry

The financial hurdles facing Volocopter are not unique. German EVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) company Lilium, known for its innovative jet-powered aircraft, entered insolvency proceedings in November after failing to secure a €100 million loan from Germany’s development bank. Despite boasting ambitious plans for 780 orders globally and €1.5 billion in previous funding, Lilium’s efforts to bring its radical designs to market have stalled.

Lilium is now seeking restructuring options, but its goal of beginning full-scale testing by 2025 appears increasingly uncertain.

Meanwhile, the UK-based Vertical Aerospace, led by OVO Energy founder Stephen Fitzpatrick, faces its own challenges. The company’s VX4 aircraft has shown promise, completing piloted tests and achieving its first untethered takeoff and landing in November. Yet setbacks, including a 2022 crash and the withdrawal of Rolls-Royce from a key supply deal, have compounded financial strain.

Vertical Aerospace is in talks with financier Jason Mudrick, whose firm has proposed a $75 million investment. While the deal could secure the company’s immediate future, it risks stripping Fitzpatrick of control.

A Glimpse of Stability

Amid the uncertainty, Airbus’s CityAirbus NextGen project appears to be on solid footing. The four-seater EVTOL aircraft, backed by Airbus’s deep resources and technical expertise, is on track to become a reality. Similarly, well-funded US companies like Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation are progressing steadily toward production.

Questions About Profitability

Even as EVTOL companies inch closer to delivering their aircraft, profitability remains a looming challenge. Initial routes are expected to connect airports to city centers, but operational costs, particularly for pilots and batteries, cast doubt on their commercial viability.

Bjorn Fehrm, an aerospace consultant and former Swedish Air Force pilot, suggests the industry’s enthusiasm stems from the allure of pioneering technology. “No one wanted to miss out on the next Tesla,” he remarks.

As the sector grapples with turbulence, the promise of quiet, efficient urban air travel hangs in the balance.