Unveiling Neuronormative Bias: Exposing an Unconscious Bias in Generative AI and Their Impact on Neurodivergent People

Authors

Keywords:

unconscious bias, neuronormative bias, neurodiversity, generative AI, algorithmisation

Abstract

Algorithms are increasingly dominating our world – it is the algorithmisation of our lives. In our daily lives, we use digital technologies that are often enriched with artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, which are supposed to optimise our lives. Although the idea of a computer-based intelligence that can simulate our human cognitive abilities is a noble goal, one that the great British mathematician and computer scientist Alan Turing (Turing, 1 1950) already envisaged, we see current AI-based algorithms more as a mirror of our imperfect world, which is characterised by prejudice, injustice, inequality and unfairness. This article highlights inequalities against an often overlooked intersectional group in our society – neurominorities – that are increasingly exacerbated by implemented biases in AI systems, which we call neuronormative bias.

Author Biographies

Claudia Lemke , Berlin School of Economics and Law

Claudia Lemke is a Professor of Information Systems in Berlin, Germany. Since her youth, she has been fascinated by the myriad forms of computer applications. As a researcher and consultant, she is particularly interested in the ever-changing relationship between individuals, the economy and society with digital technologies and how to shape a digital society with justice and equality. She believes in the concept of ‘more tech - more touch’ for developing greater awareness of and paying serious attention to the various human perceptions of living in a technology-driven world. NeuroConverse is a possible answer for bridging the gaps between diverse communities in a digitally networked world to converge into one multi-faceted dialogue for contributing to better togetherness. With her academic background, she supports the process of building an academic journal format that combines practical aspects with theoretical approaches to offer design-oriented solutions. Her deep understanding of the impact of the digital age helps to interpret the idea of academic publishing in a new way. 

Martin Bloomfield, Berlin School of Economics and Law

Martin  Bloomfield has taught and worked in neurodiversity awareness for over twenty years, winning a Commendation for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion from the British Council, participating in the UK’s Centre for Social Justice “dyslexia roundtable”, being invited onto a UK Parliamentary Advisory Board for neurodiversity, and delivering lectureships and teacher training courses on dyslexia and Special Educational Needs in universities across Europe. He considers NeuroConverse to be the perfect platform to advance the conversation around the rich variety of neurotypes, and hopes that it will continue to develop as a safe space for original and impactful ideas. His PhD focused on ethics and diversity, and Martin believes that this academic perspective can help shape an ethical, diverse publication such as NeuroConverse.

Florian N. Herfurth, Berlin School of Economics and Law

With over 7 years of experience, Florian Herfurth has established a solid foundation in web development and actively engages in digitization, business strategies, and the creation of web applications. His proficiency extends across a diverse range of programming languages and frameworks, including JavaScript, PHP, and Python. Additionally, he possesses expertise in Vue.js, WordPress, and the management of Cloud-based applications. With an eagerness to embrace emerging technologies, he remains open to captivating opportunities within the field. 

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Published

2024-03-14

How to Cite

Lemke , C. ., Bloomfield, M., & Herfurth, F. N. (2024). Unveiling Neuronormative Bias: Exposing an Unconscious Bias in Generative AI and Their Impact on Neurodivergent People. NeuroConverse, 1(1), 8. Retrieved from https://neuroconverse.org/index.php/journal/article/view/1

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2024): First Issue

Section

Articles