“I think when using AI, simplifying everyday experiences, especially ones as sensitive and important as healthcare is, is really important and can make a difference for many people.”  ~Sonia Virk

Coming from a farming background, I automatically think of artificial insemination when people refer to AI. In my professional world, focusing on infection prevention, AI refers to avian influenza. I have not worked with artificial intelligence, so entering MET, I have added yet another meaning to AI and must consciously think about who the audience is to ensure that I am on the right train of thought.

While there is a lot of good that can come from using AI, I do believe we need to temper our use of it. One way to consider moving forward is to look at a diversity, inclusion and equity (DEI) program that develops collaborations to help remove bias. The merger of infotech and biotech is giving rise to algorithms that can successfully analyze and communicate with us and may soon outperform human doctors, drivers, soldiers, and bankers in such tasks (Harari, 2017). I’m not concerned about outperformance, there is always going to be someone or something who outperforms others. Frankly, I like not standing in line to get money from the bank. Similarly, I believe there are and will be more surgeries that can be completed by AI with increased odds of a positive patient outcome.

Law enforcement, employee hiring, schooling applications and other areas where bias can play a role in approving or disqualifying people without consideration for DEI needs to be considered.

Reference:

Harari, Y. N. (2017). Reboot for the AI revolution. Nature International Weekly Journal of Science, 550(7676), 324-327.

Virk, S. (March 28, 2023). Task 12: Speculative Futures. MET: A journey in learning. Retrieved April 10, 2023, from https://blogs.ubc.ca/mssvirk/2023/03/28/task-12-speculative-futures/