Research Group on “AI/Algorithms and Gender Inequality”
Group leader: Toko Tanaka (Professor, Interfaculty Initiative in Information Studies, The University of Tokyo)
The use of digital technologies, particularly social media, has become an important means for women and various minorities to voice their opinions in society. However, these technologies embed artificial intelligence and algorithms, raising concerns that only certain values are made visible and repeatedly emphasized on platforms. For instance, the proliferation of idealized body images and gender norms on social media can undermine the self-esteem of women who do not align with these ideals, making it more difficult for diverse ways of life and values to be recognized.
Additionally, the rapid proliferation of generative AI in recent years has been noted to pose a risk of reinforcing and reproducing misogyny and gender inequality by learning and amplifying dominant societal values.
This research group aims to clarify how AI and algorithms contribute to the creation and transformation of gender inequality by investigating the digital technology practices of women in their teens and twenties, as well as their awareness of issues and safety concerns regarding technology in Japanese society.
• Activities for the 2023 academic year are here: https://baiforum.jp/en/report/re093/