Assignments > Forum: Technological Solutionism

Due on Tue, 10/29 @ 11:59PM. 4 Points.

Forum Posting Instructions

Please complete the following assigned readings / videos:

• : Benjamin, Ruha (2019). Chapter 4. Technological Benevolence. Race After Technology.
• : Open AI Marketing Video (3 minutes)
• : Will A.G.I. Save the World? Evgeny Morozov (watch the first 30 minutes)

When you’re done:

• Post to the forum before class on Tuesday, 10/29 by responding to the discussion prompts (below). Shoot for 400 words.
• Then, before midnight on Thursday, 10/31, respond to two of your classmates' posts.

Option 1. Technological Benevolence with Ruja Benjamin

Many new technologies have emerged that claim to mitigate human bias. However, Benjamin shows us (on pp. 140-143 and elsewhere) how these supposedly more objective technologies can and do still discriminate (and sometimes make things worse). For this discussion forum, answer the following 3 questions:

• Describe the problem HireVue was trying to solve
• What ended up happening and why?
• Even though HireVue failed, do you think that it’s possible for AI to be used to inform more just and fair decisions? Please explain.

Option 2. Morozov & Technological Solutionism

• Early rhetoric around ChatGPT was apocalyptic. According to Morozov, how did the doomsday characterization of ChatGPT benefit tech companies?
• Around minute 6-7, Morozov notes that “there are a lot of things to fear, but they aren’t necessarily the fears that the tech industry is promoting and spreading.” What is Morozov afraid of? Do you agree or disgree?