Introducing Kem-Laurin Lubin

Kem-Laurin Lubin is currently pursuing her PhD in English at the prestigious University of Waterloo, where she dives deep into the intricate issues surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) biases. Her research primarily focuses on how these biases impact the lived experiences of individuals, with a special emphasis on marginalized communities. Kem’s academic journey began with a BA Hons from the University of Ottawa, and she later completed a Master’s degree in Rhetoric and Professional Writing at Waterloo. Notably, she is also the co-founder of the AI Global South Summit 2024, a platform dedicated to exploring the intersections of technology and global needs. For those interested, you can learn more about her initiatives in creating sustainable tech futures.

Students’ Concerns in a Rapidly Changing World

As a doctoral student instructing undergraduate courses at the University of Waterloo, I encounter a consistent stream of students grappling with significant concerns about their futures. Many of these students articulate a pervasive anxiety regarding job stability, with a common refrain being, ‘What will I do if AI takes my job?’ This sentiment resonates widely, given the rapid advancements in technology and the uncertainty that accompanies them.

While this concern is undeniably valid and merits serious consideration, it also compels me to probe a more profound question: What role can we, as scholars in the humanities, play in shaping the trajectory of artificial intelligence (AI) to benefit society at large? This is not merely a passing thought but a critical inquiry into how our rich tradition of storytelling can inform technological advancements.

The Storytelling Tradition and Modern Technology

As the well-known adage suggests, humans are inherently wired for narratives. In today’s digital landscape, we must recognize that modern technology serves as a new-age fireplace around which we gather to exchange our stories, thoughts, and experiences. Those of us who hold a passion for literature and literary history understand the substantial impact character development has on narratives. This connection leads me to critically examine my work at the university and its wider implications. It’s important to note that artificial intelligence, a quintessential component of our contemporary techno-culture, strives to define and characterize humans within narrow ideological frameworks, which often results in adverse consequences for individuals and communities.

Understanding Ethopoeia in the Context of AI

In my academic research, I delve into an ancient rhetorical concept called ethopoeia, commonly understood as a technique for characterization. This device, foundational to our contemporary judicial system, plays a crucial role in determining outcomes such as guilt and innocence. While ethopoeia can be easily brushed off as merely characterization, it is a formidable tool that has influenced societal norms and justice for centuries.

As a scholar specializing in AI rhetoric within the Faculty of Arts, I propose that ethopoeia has transformed into a concept I refer to as ‘algorithmic ethopoeia.’ With society witnessing the outsourcing of numerous human functions to technology, we have also relinquished the crucial task of characterizing individuals to machines. Today, AI drives this process by enabling the characterization of humans through what I describe as ‘the mathematization of human data for digital representation.’ This methodology employs data collection, sorting, and targeted processing subjected to algorithmic protocols and decision-making frameworks.

Deconstructing Digital Representations

Essentially, this contemporary interpretation of ethopoeia transmutes human data into digital profiles controlled and manipulated by algorithms. Such adaptations can be critically analyzed through the lens of Computational Rhetoric—an interdisciplinary field intersecting with mathematics and computer science. Esteemed scholars, such as Prof. Randy A. Harris at the University of Waterloo, actively nurture emerging scholars in this vital area. Given its strong foundation rooted in language and literature, computational rhetoric is instrumental for the humanities to engage meaningfully in complex discussions regarding ongoing technological disruptions.

Unfortunately, the humanities are often marginalized in tech-centered conversations. However, we must assert our voices. AI-driven systems frequently fabricate fictional narratives around real individuals, and the field of Computational Rhetoric aims to demystify and unravel these digital fictions. It is crucial for the public discourse on technology to include perspectives from humanities to ensure that schemas created don’t perpetuate harmful biases.

The Call for Ethical AI Advocacy

In her acclaimed work, “Algorithms of Oppression,” Safiya Noble emphasizes the systemic biases programmed into AI systems. Her voice, while revolutionary, is often misconstrued as disruptive activism. I contend that we need more such scholarly activism to produce a framework for shaping the world we aspire to inhabit. Similarly, Shoshana Zuboff’s seminal “The Age of Surveillance Capitalism” scrutinizes the extensive exploitation of data and illustrates the paramount importance of examining how AI characterizes and profiles individuals. Gaining a thorough understanding of these processes enables us to champion the development of more ethical AI systems that uphold human dignity and equitable treatment.

Fiction Mirrors Reality

The parallels between fictional narratives and contemporary realities have become increasingly pronounced. For instance, the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade has drawn unsettling parallels with Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale.” Similarly, classic works such as Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World” and George Orwell’s “1984” provide chilling portrayals of pervasive surveillance and its implications for freedom and individual autonomy. These narratives serve as critical reminders of how fiction can foreshadow real-life consequences brought about by modern surveillance technologies, now significantly influenced by AI, underscoring the importance of understanding the profound ramifications of digital characterizations in our lives.

Incorporating Diverse Perspectives in AI

It is incumbent upon us as scholars and supporters of the humanities to advocate for the inclusion of perspectives drawn from these fields and the social sciences, ensuring that technological advancements align with ethical and equitable considerations. Whether through philosophy, sociology, literature, or linguistics, our expertise is not only vital, but indispensable. By integrating our comprehensive insights into human nature and characterization, we can contribute significantly to the development of AI systems that are just and resonate with the diverse experiences of humanity.

The Role of AI legalese decoder

In navigating the complexities and potential pitfalls surrounding AI systems, tools like the AI legalese decoder can prove invaluable. This cutting-edge platform specializes in demystifying legal jargon and the intricate frameworks surrounding AI applications, making it easier for individuals and organizations to understand and engage with the legal implications of AI technology. By simplifying complex legal language, the AI legalese decoder can empower users—especially those from marginalized backgrounds—by providing the resources necessary to advocate for equitable treatment and ethical engagement with AI. In an era where technology plays an increasingly pervasive role in our lives, such tools are crucial for promoting transparency and ensuring that technology serves humanity rather than the other way around.

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