Diversity as a Method to Address Tech-Enabled Oppression and Harm - Rooted2Thrive Ep. 55

Rooted2Thrive Podcast: Conversations That Elevate Our HumanityDiversity as a Method to Address Tech-Enabled Oppression and HarmSeason 6, Episode 55 Host: Rochelle Peterson-AnsariOverview: In this eye-opening episode, host Rochelle Peterson-Ansari speaks with Dr. Karl Morris, a computer science professor and congressional candidate, about the dangerous intersections of technology, equity, and public policy. Dr. Morris explains how a lack of diversity in STEM spaces leads to technical products that cause measurable, direct harm to minoritized communities. From medical devices that misread blood oxygen levels in darker skin to AI-driven decisions in healthcare and ride-sharing biases, the conversation underscores that representation at the design table is not just a diversity goal, but a necessary safeguard for human life and dignity.Topics discussed:Technical Bias and Real-World Harm: Concrete examples of how pulse oximeters and self-driving car algorithms fail individuals with darker skin tones due to a lack of diverse testing data.Tech-Enabled Discrimination: How digital services can enable age-old biases, such as ride-sharing cancellations that create a "Black Tax" on time and employment for people of color.The "Melanin Gap" in AI Training: A technical dive into how image classifiers and facial recognition software are often trained on data that lacks representation, resulting in harmful and dehumanizing errors.Public Policy and Corporate Responsibility: The role of the government and international bodies (like the EU) in standardizing technology and protecting citizens when capitalist interests prioritize profitability over equity.Environmental Justice in Tech: Connecting the dots between the massive power demands of AI data centers and the poor air quality and respiratory illnesses in the urban communities where power plants are often built.Guest:Dr. Karl Morris Computer Science Professor at Temple University, AI Researcher, and candidate for Pennsylvania's 3rd Congressional District.Facebook: https://facebook.com/karlmorrispa Instagram: https://facebook.com/karlmorrispa LinkedIn: https://facebook.com/karlmorrispa YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@karlmorrispa Website: https://karlforcongress.us Check out more content and ways to connect with us:➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perceptions/➡️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perceptionsunlimited➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceptionsunlimited/➡️ Email: [email protected] ➡️ Website: www.perceptionsunltd.comPlease feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!Thank you for tuning into Rooted2Thrive: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity!