Decode the bias in tech
Run a Google search for “beautiful skin, beautiful face, beautiful woman” and 80% of search results don’t include women of color. As useful as Artificial Intelligence can be, the way AI interprets data can also often reinforce human biases. Algorithms can take on the innate biases of their creators, which means the coding community needs as much diversity as possible.
I have spent more than 11 years working in the technology space. As a first-generation Iranian-American and daughter of immigrants, it didn’t take long to notice that the workplace environments I found myself in were not designed for me, and did not support my career growth and ambition, or accommodate my unique needs as a woman + woman of color.
I will never forget I was at a tech conference to give a keynote speech. As I was getting ready to go on stage, someone walked towards me and asked if I was there for my husband, “to be a good trophy wife and be there for support.”
I had to look that person square in the eye and communicate, no- it’s actually me. And while most of you would think it was a man who was asking me this question-- here's the fascinating thing- it was
actually a woman who asked me that- that’s the challenge here.
It hurts me to see the lack of diversity and representation showing up IRL and in search engines that ALL people use. This represents exactly what needs to be changed. A new narrative for women within the tech industry. This is why I'm so excited to partner with Olay. They're working with @joyfulcode and the Algorithmic Justice League to help reduce bias in coding and algorithms by sending Black girls to coding camp.
Want to be part of the change? HERE ARE A FEW THINGS YOU CAN DO..
Use #DecodetheBias on Instagram and Twitter to help us send more than 1,000 girls to code camp.
[ 01 ]
Subscribe to content that embodies diversity and inclusion.
This will influence algorithms and content creators to prioritize diverse and inclusive content.
[ 02 ]
When posting photos on your website or social channels, name and tag all parts of the image with keywords that need influencing.
This includes the file name, hashtags, and captions, which will help impact what’s shown in search results.
[ 03 ]
When posting any content to the web, make a hyperlink using a keyword that needs influencing. Send that link to a page or image that embodies diversity.
For example, make the phrase “flawless skin” link to a page showing diverse skin.
Learn more here: spr.ly/preDTB07
Thank you to Olay for sponsoring this post.