They can harm the vulnerable from "summary" of Weapons of Math Destruction by Cathy O'Neil
The insidious nature of Weapons of Math Destruction lies in their ability to harm those who are most vulnerable in society. These models perpetuate and even exacerbate existing inequalities by systematically disadvantaging certain groups. For example, in the case of predictive policing algorithms, they often target low-income neighborhoods, which are predominantly inhabited by people of color. As a result, these communities are subjected to higher levels of police surveillance and scrutiny, leading to increased rates of incarceration and further marginalization. Similarly, in the realm of education, standardized testing algorithms can have detrimental effects on students from disadvantaged backgrounds. By relying solely on test scores to evaluate schools and teachers, these models fail to take into account the many external factors that can impact a student's performance, such as poverty, lack of resources, and trauma. As a result, schools in impoverished areas are unfairly labeled as failing, leading to decreased funding and support, which only serves to perpetuate the cycle of inequality. Furthermore, in the realm of hiring and job recruitment, automated resume screening tools often discriminate against candidates based on factors such as name, address, and even grammar. These tools are designed to identify the "ideal" candidate, which often translates to someone who is white, male, and from a privileged background. This not only hinders diversity and inclusion in the workplace but also reinforces existing power structures that favor certain groups over others.- Weapons of Math Destruction have the potential to entrench and perpetuate social injustices by reinforcing existing biases and discrimination. They operate under the guise of objectivity and efficiency, but in reality, they only serve to harm those who are already facing systemic barriers. It is crucial that we recognize and challenge these harmful algorithms in order to create a more just and equitable society for all.
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