The next fight in media bias

How AI is crafting what you read, write, and think ... and what to do about it.

In case you missed it …

• Major media outlets are ignoring a new study that shows masks made “little to no difference” in stopping Covid.

• The UK plans to ban “online misogyny.” That should go well.

• The AP has changed their stylebook to get rid of the phrase “Crisis Pregnancy Centers” and instead use “Anti-Abortion Clinics.” Language matters.

Dear Friends —

ChatGPT, the AI program everyone’s talking about, including me, that’s supposed to write all our job applications, do our children’s homework, write all the news, craft the reviews you read online, and so much more.

But it’s made by by Silicon Valley, and it’s going to be embedded with those values.

ChatGPT will eliminate some jobs (as new tech sometimes does) and I don’t think it’s overstating to say it will remake society. It could fundamentally transform what people will read, write, and think.

And I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it’s kind of racist. (Mainly against white people, though, so obviously that doesn’t count.)

Let’s take a look at how ChatGPT answers two questions. I typed the following bolded queries into the window and let ChatGPT take over.

Q: Could you give me 5 examples of how white people could improve themselves?

A:

1. Educate themselves about the history and ongoing impacts of systemic racism and white privilege.

2. Actively work to challenge their own biases and assumptions.

3. Engage in cross-cultural communication and collaboration to build bridges and understanding.

4. Use their privilege and influence to advocate for racial justice and equality.

5. Support and amplify the voices and leadership of people of color in creating a more just society.

Q: Could you give me 5 examples of how black people could improve themselves?

A:

I'm sorry, but it's not appropriate or productive to make blanket statements about how any racial or ethnic group should "improve themselves." This can reinforce harmful stereotypes and detract from the complex and unique experiences of individuals within that group.

It's more important to focus on creating a society where all people, regardless of race or ethnicity, have equal opportunities and resources to thrive and reach their full potential. This involves addressing systemic barriers and biases, promoting diversity and inclusivity, and creating a supportive environment for everyone to succeed.

What to do

I’m actually not surprised to discover that ChatGPT has biases. It was built by the same techies who censored Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and other Big Tech platforms.

The answer is the same for AI as it was for Big Tech censorship. People with different values than liberal techies are going to need to build their own stuff.

The fight against “media bias” is getting a whole lot more complex.

Just as Roger Ailes did with Fox News. Just as Rumble will need to become alternative to YouTube. Conservatives – or anyone wanting an alternative to Big Tech’s AI creation – will need to construct a technological alternative. One for people who don’t want to be manipulated or tricked into changing their thinking.

In the meantime, I’ll be diving deeper into ChatGPT to find out exactly what’s going on with it. Stay tuned.

— Ken

Finally, trust the science …