11th March 2024
In preparing the BIAS survey, the Consortium prioritized inclusivity and ensured that every voice felt valued. This commitment led to extensive efforts to make the survey accessible and respectful of diverse personal characteristics and socio-cultural backgrounds. Special attention was given to preventing anyone from feeling excluded. As a result, the survey underwent translation into numerous languages, and its promotion spanned various channels – from social media posts to flyers distributed in local businesses, and even stickers affixed to traffic lights.
Once the responses started pouring in, the Consortium faced a few challenges. But as the saying goes, when the going gets tough, the tough get creative! That’s why it teamed up with Prolific, an online platform designed to assist researchers in reaching broader audiences. With its help, the BIAS survey cast its net even wider, gathering insights from all corners of Europe.
Now, let’s discuss what the Consortium discovered. It turns out, most respondents are quite familiar with AI systems in the labour market—they’re aware of its presence and activities. However, when it comes to understanding the extent of human involvement in these AI-driven actions and decisions, clarity seems to be lacking. Some respondents voice concerns about their level of control in these situations, feeling somewhat disempowered and unable to opt out of the use of AI systems, which can indeed be unsettling.
Speaking of unsettling, social discrimination is a big concern for many. But here’s the twist – when asked if they’ve actually experienced it, not everyone is sure. It’s like having a feeling that something’s not quite right, but not being able to put your finger on it. Still, respondents spoke up loud and clear about what they think makes AI systems fair – advocating for equal treatment irrespective of personal traits and emphasizing the importance of transparency in AI systems.
The BIAS survey also shed light on some interesting trends. It appears that younger individuals demonstrate a greater adeptness with technology, while the affiliation with trade unions is dwindling – a trend that may not come as a shock. However, matters concerning gender and other personal characteristics are far from straightforward. Yet, certain aspects remain personal, and not everyone feels inclined to share every detail about themselves – and that’s absolutely fine.
But hold onto your hats, because here’s where things get truly thrilling. These invaluable insights aren’t merely for fun or box-ticking exercises. Rather they’re instrumental in shaping other project activities. Take, for instance, the ground-breaking design of the Debiaser, namely an AI system aimed at identifying and mitigating diversity biases in the labour market. Then, there’s the ongoing performance of ethnographic fieldwork, where young researchers immerse themselves in real-life AI experiences across Europe, gleaning insights from diverse stakeholders. Additionally, the survey has sparked off innovation, inspiring initiatives aimed at raising social awareness and devising capacity-building programmes to empower individuals in navigating the labour market more effectively.
So, whether you’re a job applicant, a worker, or just curious about the new world of AI systems in the labour market, the BIAS survey had something for everyone. And with all the insights gained, the Consortium is one step closer to creating a future where fairness and equality can flourish in the labour market.
