Computer software makes suggestions on what we might want to watch or buy, helps doctors make diagnoses, and judges issue sentencing, even helps vehicles on the road drive more safely. While the perception of computers is that they are making un-emotional, un-prejudiced assessments, they are based on data provided by humans, and so can hide and perpetuate bias we are unintentionally feeding them.
Summary:
This sermon explores how artificial intelligence and machine learning are fundamentally reshaping modern society, from autonomous transportation to legal sentencing. While these technologies promise increased efficiency and safety, the speaker warns that algorithms often inherit human biases hidden within their training data. These flaws can lead to systemic discrimination in areas like urban planning, law enforcement, and financial lending, frequently impacting marginalized communities. Because computers are often perceived as objective, their decisions may go unchallenged despite being rooted in “garbage” data or proxy variables. The sermon concludes by advocating for greater transparency, ethical legislation, and a commitment to justice to ensure that automated systems respect the inherent worth of all individuals.