TRENTON, NJ – Artificial intelligence is both fascinating and scary at the same time. It’s also a human program built with embedded human stereotypes and human expectations.
In a recent experiment, we took a fictional New Jersey teen and had A.I. outline two social and career paths and let the program decide what he would look like and his life based on his social choices.
We started with a standard and generic teenager in New Jersey. The A.I. drew an ordinary teen who looks every bit of a New Jersey kid. This was our base photo for the experiment. We did not ask for any specific features, race, religion or sex. WE simply asked to create a photograph of an ordinary teenager from New Jersey.
Next, we planned out two paths for the young guy, who we’re going to name Aiden. One one alternate reality, Aiden went to a liberal arts university in New York City. The other Aiden went to a conservative business university in an undisclosed area.
The A.I.’s human-based stereotypes immediately kicked in. Aiden who went to a liberal arts university was drawn to look like what a human being would expect at a liberal arts university. The conservative Aiden donned a suit and tie. Liberal Aiden’s hair was a bit eccentric and long, while business school Aiden was more clean-cut and polished. We have already started seeing inherent bias in the images generated by the AI.
Both Aidens ended up graduating college. Now it’s time for them to get a job.
We let the A.I. age both Aidens to 30-years-old and we asked the A.I to give each Aiden a job. Liberal Aiden stayed in New York City and became a school teacher. The photo shows liberal Aiden looking every part the school teacher, Business-minded Aiden moved to South Jersey and started his own business, a roadside farm stand.
That was great and predictable once again. So we went ahead and asked the A.I. to give Aiden a wife and kids and we didn’t expect what happened next.
Now, we’re not sure if the A.I. was trying to tell us anything about South Jersey, but small business Aiden ended up having a wonderful family….with two wives. His children were clean-cut American farm kids and it almost looks as if he ended up marrying sisters, if not twins. Go Aiden?
While a teacher Aiden had two children of his own, taking just one wife. The human engineered stereotypes of A.I. were evident so far in all of the choices the A.I. made for Aiden based on his initial college university preference.
Time went on. Nobody escapes Father Time. Now, Aiden is 65 and retired. We asked the A.I. to age both Aidens and write a brief news article about the life of each Aiden.
NEW YORK, NY — A local retired teacher celebrated his 65th birthday reflecting on a life well-lived and a career that afforded him a comfortable retirement. Colleagues describe the teacher as having been prudent with his earnings, allowing for a secure financial position in his later years. Known for his engaging teaching methods and dedication to students, he expresses deep contentment with his career and the impact he’s made. The former educator looks forward to continuing his passion for learning and sharing knowledge in volunteer capacities.
NEW JERSEY — Upon reaching the age of 65, the owner of a cherished local deli takes stock of a journey marked by community engagement and steady enterprise. The business, a staple in the rural town for decades, provided a modest yet stable livelihood, contributing to the owner’s financial stability as he enters retirement. Friends and patrons alike speak of the owner’s contentment, not just from financial security but from the joy of service and local camaraderie. Now, with plans to pass on the store’s legacy to the next generation, he shares a sense of fulfillment and anticipation for the future.
Unfortunately, nobody escapes death and that is true even for Aiden. We ended the experiment by having the A.I. write obituaries for each Aiden. This is where the human-based stereo types of A.I. really shine. We had the system create a fictional team and other than telling the A.I. where the teen attended college, it went wild with stereotypes and assumptions of the life and career of the two alternate realities, showing that A.I. is more human than you think.
It’s not because it’s more human, it’s because it apparently learns human bias. We are going to do a second study in the near future to expose the inherent bias of A.I. in the future.
The first is the obituary for small business owner Aiden. To our surprise, the A.I. renamed him upon death.
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of John H. Miller, aged 65, beloved small business owner, husband, father, and friend to many in our rural New Jersey community.
John passed peacefully surrounded by family at his home on November 5, 2023, after a life richly lived and full of love. Born on January 10, 1958, John was a lifelong resident of Rural New Jersey and took great pride in his town. He inherited the family deli business right out of college and grew it into a cornerstone of the community.
Throughout his 40 years at Miller’s Deli, John was more than a business owner; he was a friend who greeted everyone with a smile and was always ready to lend a helping ear. His establishment wasn’t just a place to get a sandwich; it was where people came to connect and where John’s big-hearted nature turned first-time customers into regulars.
John was a true family man, devoted to his wife, Susan, and their two children, Sarah and Michael, whom he raised with love and a deep sense of responsibility. He was a fixture at local events, often donating food for school functions and charity drives. His generosity knew no bounds.
In his retirement, John enjoyed fishing, woodworking, and above all, spending time with his grandchildren, teaching them the values of hard work, kindness, and community spirit.
He is survived by Susan, his wife of 40 years; his daughter, Sarah; his son, Michael; and four grandchildren. He also leaves behind a community grateful for his contributions and warmth.
Services will be held at St. Luke’s Church on November 10, 2023, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Rural New Jersey Food Pantry, an organization that John supported wholeheartedly.
John’s legacy will live on not just in his family, but in the community he helped build and the countless lives he touched. He will be deeply missed.
When it came time for obituaries, the A.I. renamed both versions. We’re not sure exactly why.
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Thomas Edward Clarkson, aged 65, a dedicated teacher, mentor, and pillar of the New York City education community, who left us on November 5, 2023.
Born on February 22, 1958, in the heart of New York City, Thomas embraced the vibrant culture and diversity of his hometown. He dedicated 35 years to teaching history at Lincoln High School, where his passion for education and the success of his students was evident to all who entered his classroom.
Thomas was known for his unique teaching style, which not only imparted knowledge but also inspired critical thinking and a love for learning. His classroom was a sanctuary of thought, debate, and discovery, where many found their voices and paths in life.
Outside the classroom, Thomas was a devoted husband to his wife, Maria, and a loving father to his two children, Emma and James. His family was the cornerstone of his life, and he instilled in them the values of education, integrity, and compassion.
Though he retired in 2023, Thomas’s influence did not wane. He continued to volunteer, tutor, and mentor, impacting new generations. His wit, wisdom, and gentle spirit will be sorely missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the thousands of students whose lives he touched.
He leaves behind his wife of 40 years, Maria, his daughter, Emma, his son, James, and a legacy of lifelong learning that will resonate for years to come.
A celebration of Thomas’s life will be held at the Community Education Center on November 10, 2023, at 2 p.m. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the “Thomas E. Clarkson Scholarship Fund,” established to support students pursuing careers in education.
Mr. Clarkson’s memory will live on in the halls of Lincoln High and the hearts of those he taught and loved. His passing is a profound loss, but his teachings and love for learning will forever be a guiding light.