In the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, understanding the embedded biases within these technologies is crucial. I had the pleasure of diving into this subject with Dr. Mina Blazy, an education director in Southern California, and her twin sister, Carrie J. Little, a seasoned real estate professional and host of “The Socially Savvy Agent.” Together, we explored the intersection of AI, bias, and the implications for various industries, especially real estate.
Understanding Bias: A Historical Perspective
Our conversation began with Mina offering a historical overview of bias, explaining how our brains are wired to make quick judgments as a survival mechanism from prehistoric times. This unconscious bias influences our decisions daily, shaping our interactions and perceptions unknowingly.
The Role of AI in Today’s World
Carrie highlighted the pervasive role of AI in our daily lives, from simple tasks like using Siri or Alexa to more complex applications in real estate, such as analyzing property listings. However, she stressed that these tools are not devoid of the biases of their creators, which can seep into their outputs and affect their functionality.
AI in Real Estate: A Double-Edged Sword
Focusing on the real estate industry, Carrie shared insights into how AI assists in categorizing property photos and generating descriptions. However, she warned of the potential risks, such as violating fair housing laws or unintentionally perpetuating biases, due to the skewed data AI might learn from.
Chatty GPT and Generative AI
Dr. Blazy explained the workings of generative pre-trained transformers like ChatGPT. These systems are programmed by humans who inevitably imprint their biases and perspectives into the AI models. This can lead to biased outputs, affecting everything from mundane tasks like recipe generation to critical information in real estate transactions.
Ethical Implications and Industry Impact
Both sisters emphasized the importance of ethical considerations when deploying AI tools. In real estate, this means using AI responsibly to avoid discrimination and uphold fairness in housing practices. Carrie shared concerns about AI’s ability to inadvertently breach ethical guidelines due to the inherent biases programmed into these systems.
Call to Action: Educating and Adapting
The conversation concluded with a call to action for professionals across all industries to educate themselves about the biases in AI and actively work to mitigate these influences. Both Mina and Carrie advocated for ongoing training and a critical approach to using AI, ensuring that these tools are used ethically and effectively.
Upcoming Engagements
Dr. Mina Blazy and Carrie J. Little will continue this important discussion in an upcoming session titled “Coffee and Conversations with Dr. Mina Blazy on AI and Bias,” scheduled for April 25 at 9 AM Central. The event will be accessible on Main Street Realtors.com and later available for replay on their Facebook page.
Conclusion
As we integrate AI more deeply into our professional tools and personal lives, recognizing and addressing the biases inherent in these technologies is essential. By fostering an informed dialogue around these issues, we can pave the way for more equitable and effective use of AI across all sectors.
Join Dr. Mina Blazy and Carrie J. Little in their forthcoming discussion to further explore how we can navigate the complexities of AI and bias together.
