Algorithms: Reflections in a Biased Mirror
The Hidden Hand: How Bias in Technology Algorithm Design Perpetuates Inequality We live in a world increasingly shaped by algorithms. From recommending our next binge-worthy show to deciding who gets approved for a loan, these complex systems influence our lives in profound ways. But what happens when the very foundation of these algorithms is flawed? What happens when bias, often unconscious and unintentional, seeps into the design process, shaping outcomes that perpetuate existing inequalities? Technology algorithm design bias isn't a new problem, but its consequences are becoming increasingly dire as algorithms wield greater power. This bias can stem from several sources: 1. Biased Data: Algorithms learn from the data they are fed. If that data reflects pre-existing societal biases, the...