Quick Answer
For search, voice, and "just tell me what to do".
Every system encodes values ā whether admitted or not.
Key Takeaways:
- The Bias of the Coder: The world view of the creator is in the code.
- The Bias of the Data: The history of the world is in the data (good and bad).
- The Bias of the Metric: What you measure, you encourage.
In-Depth Analysis
The Architect's Bias
A building directs how you walk. A hallway says "Go here." A wall says "Stop." Software is a building for the mind. It directs how you think.
Algorithms are Opinions
An algorithm that ranks "Most Liked" comments at the top has an opinion: "Popularity = Quality." That is an opinion. It might be wrong. An algorithm that ranks "Longest" comments at the top has a different opinion.
See the Walls
Don't just walk down the hall. See the walls. Ask why they were built there. And if needed, grab a sledgehammer.
Playbook
The 'Value' Inspection: Ask 'What does this system value?' (e.g., Engagement? Truth? Speed?)
The 'Counter-Weight': If the system biases toward speed, build a human process that biases toward care.
The 'Open' Question: Constantly question the 'default' settings.
Common Pitfalls
- Trusting the Default: Assuming the standard setting is the 'right' one.
- Ignoring the Invisible: Not seeing the way the UI guides your hand.
- Tech-Solutionism: Thinking every moral problem has a code solution.
Metrics to Track
System Fairness
User Agency
Diversity of Outcomes
FAQ
Can we build neutral AI?
No. Neutrality is a value choice (choosing not to choose). Better to be explicit about your values.
Who decides the values?
You do. Or the engineer in Silicon Valley does. I suggest you do.
Related Reading
AI as a Silent Partner
Explores the philosophy of AI as a background collaboratorānever the voice, always the amplifier. This approach centers on maintaining strict boundaries, using intentional prompts to guide output rather than surrendering to it, and sharpening human discernment. The goal is to remain the final moral and creative authority, using AI to handle the cognitive heavy lifting without eroding the human soul of the business.
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