Humans have long dreamed of artificial intelligence and smart machines that can help us make better decisions or even just cut down on our own chores. What was once a sci fi fantasy is now a reality – AI is an increasing presence in our day-to-day lives.

But AI is built by humans, and its algorithms are sometimes guided by very human biases. The more we rely on automated decision making, the more often we see examples of AI being sexist, racist or exhibiting other forms of prejudice.

How did assumptions and biases find their way into machines? Is AI helping or hurting our progress towards social equality? How do we hold technology designers accountable for their creations? And can we address these issues without overcorrecting into social engineering?

In the first ‘What Happens Next?‘ episode on bias in AI, Dr Susan Carland speaks with Communications and Media Studies Professor Mark Andrejevic, human-computer interaction scholar Yolande Strengers, Monash University Information Technology Interim Dean Ann Nicholson, and former Chief Digital Advisor at Microsoft Australia Rita Arrigo.