Like all technologies before it, artificial intelligence will reflect the values of its creators. So inclusivity matters - from who designs it to who sits on the company boards and which ethical perspectives are included.

Kate Crawford, a leading scholar and researcher in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), highlights the crucial role of human values in shaping the development of technology in her quote: “Like all technologies before it, artificial intelligence will reflect the values of its creators. So inclusivity matters—from who designs it to who sits on the company boards and which ethical perspectives are included.” Crawford suggests that, just like any other technology throughout history, AI will inevitably carry the biases and values of the individuals and groups who create it. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into society, the need for diverse and inclusive representation in its development becomes vital.

The quote emphasizes that AI is not an objective, neutral entity but a product shaped by the cultural, social, and ethical lenses of its creators. Crawford points out that the designers, engineers, and decision-makers behind AI systems must be mindful of how their own perspectives and biases could influence the technology. Without inclusivity in both the design process and within the leadership of tech companies—such as through diverse representation on company boards—AI systems risk perpetuating harmful inequalities or reinforcing existing societal problems.

Crawford also brings attention to the importance of including a wide range of ethical viewpoints during the development of AI. Technology does not exist in a vacuum, and its impact on society can vary based on the values it reflects. By ensuring a broad spectrum of ethical perspectives, AI systems can better serve equity, justice, and social good, rather than perpetuating discrimination or exclusion. This requires careful consideration of the societal implications of AI, from its design to its deployment.

In essence, Crawford’s quote is a call to action for the tech industry to take responsibility for the values embedded in the artificial intelligence they create. By fostering inclusivity and embracing diverse ethical viewpoints, AI has the potential to reflect the best of humanity, benefiting society in a fairer and more just way.