How AI Can Effectively Solve Inherent Human Biases

• By Linda Hartley
• 29-06-2022
• Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence has changed the way we look at technology and the world as a whole. The concept of AI isn’t recent. We all have been hearing since our childhood that computers would one day develop human-like characteristics but now that we are actually seeing the technology unravel and become a part of our daily lives and every industry – it is surprising, no doubt.

During the pandemic – we saw how AI helped the telemedicine industry take off and reach new heights. Now, professionals in the healthcare industry trust artificial intelligence and if you look at the stats – this technology is here to stay and is only projected to further grow in the upcoming years.

And if we look at workplaces particularly and try to understand why biases are so apparent and why the human psyche reacts in a certain way – let’s try to explore how workplace discrimination can be changed for the better through AI. Let’s begin.

What is Human Bias?
Human biases have always existed. It was in 1972 that we saw scientific research came to a concrete conclusion about human beings. We are inherently biased towards certain beings and have prejudice is a part of our lives. Every interaction. Every friendship. We have prior feelings and the subconscious already has an idea.

Now, if we consider this in the context of a workplace – what happens is that – the Human Resources department is responsible for interviews, judging a candidate, and taking a resume to the next stage. If you look at it – the interview lasts from anywhere around 5 minutes to 20 minutes at max and is that time enough to truly know a candidate’s potential?

In most cases – the HR department already develops a bias towards one candidate over the other and the decision ends up making a bad impact on everyone – leaving a state of chaos for the company. And the candidate will question their worth in the future.

How AI Will Combat Discrimination in the Workplace
Machine learning and AI are already a part of the healthcare industry and basically every other emerging field. Why not take a step further and implement AI across recruitment channels and see how the Human Resource department evolves. Here’s what we think will happen:

1. No gender-based language biases
A lot of times, when preparing job descriptions for specific roles – recruiters tend to mistake pronouns. While preparing job descriptions for a marketing executive, the pronouns could mistakenly get defined when you are supposed to stay gender neutral and attract everyone.

Once AI becomes a part of the system – the job descriptions prepared would have accurate details and the pronouns would get defined accordingly. The algorithm is smart enough and overtime – it will analyze important aspects to include in a job description.

2. Hiring process made transparent
The pay gap is evident in front of us and we can see how women and minorities are often discriminated during the hiring process. There is a lack of judgement based on their credentials. An AI could take this issue into perspective and eliminate gender as a factor during assessment altogether.

Every resume would get judged and traced back-and-forth based on a candidate’s previous performance, experience, qualification, and alignment with the company’s vision. An unbiased and ultimately a just decision will get made.

And same goes for ethnicity. As companies are transitioning towards being more inclusive and diverse – AI could help here as well.

In the fear future – we are looking at a world where stereotyping won’t exist and the overall environment of the office would become safe and trustworthy for everyone. Candidates often end up resigning when they feel betrayed and a sense of mistrust develops.

3. No ulterior motive
A lot of startups do this mistake when they go past their funding stage and seek the best talent. Ironically, they end up looking at their alma mater rather than the skillset possessed. A company that is filled with Ivy League graduates often ends up at the bad side of things in the long run. And candidates from a community college are left behind in the corporate race.

Once an AI is integrated as part of the system – a reputable company or a top tier university won’t be the only thing to judge upon. An algorithm would look at the holistic picture and analyze the candidate’s performance at the company or the grades they acquired at a particular university.

When we consider the problems we face today, the recruitment process is unfair and it results in a toxic workplace environment.

Gender, religion, race nationality, alma mater – human beings have a tendency to assess candidates on these prejudices. An AI could be the perfect judgment tool – removing all kinds of controversies we see today from the equation.

AI Will Revolutionize Recruitment Processes
We are optimistic enough and according to the numbers – artificial intelligence will take over – might as well utilize its potential. To sum it up, an ideal world is taking shape and there are a lot of factors that will help make it a reality. The integration of AI in workplaces is just one of them. And unlike human beings, the chances of error are absolutely zero. An algorithm will produce results according to the way its programmed. No hurdles.

In a world where every corporate is aiming to create an environment that is inclusive, diverse, and more accepting towards marginalized communities – your business should take a step ahead and embrace technological changes. Talk with your HR team and see how AI can help upscale everything.