Why?
This lesson is at the intersection of technology and societal norms, particularly focusing on how AI voice assistants reflect and potentially reinforce gender stereotypes. It encourages critical thinking among students about the ethical implications of gender representation in emerging technologies, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and diversity. By examining the reasons behind gendered AI and exploring the debate on gender-neutral versus gender-specific voices, the lesson fosters awareness of how technological choices can subtly shape societal perceptions and behaviors. This understanding is crucial for students as future consumers and potential creators in a technology-driven world, where conscious and informed decisions can lead to more equitable and representative innovations.
Materials Needed
Printouts of case study (optional) and simulation handout
Time needed
45 - 75 Mins
Objectives
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
Lesson Components
- Before You Watch: Connect lesson to background knowledge of the gender of AI assistants and get students’ attention
- Video: Show the pedagogy.cloud video explaining the ethical considerations in the topic of AI assistants’ voices
- Case Study: Detail a real-world scenario that relates to the issue of AI assistants
- Simulation: Lead students through an interactive activity exploring the possible ethical considerations
- Discussion: Ask whole-class questions to reflect on experience and consider perspectives.
- Assessment: Verify student understanding with an exit ticket
Warm Up
Ask students how many of them have used a voice assistant or smart speaker (such as an Amazon Alexa, Google Home, or Apple’s Siri).
Play a YouTube video that demonstrates 12 different voices for the Google Assistant: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WEt-j7N7N8
Ask students what their favorite option is. Ask them why they think the voices are colors rather than human names.
Video
Transcript
Hello Young Innovators! Today we’re discussing the ethics of gendered voices of AI assistants.
Artificial Intelligence is becoming a bigger part of our lives every day. From smartphones to smart homes, AI voice assistants are everywhere, helping us with tasks, answering our questions, and even keeping us company. But have you ever wondered why most of these voice assistants sound female?
AI voice assistants haven't always been around. In the early days of technology, computers were large, clunky machines that certainly didn’t talk. As technology evolved, so did the ability for machines to interact with us using voice – a feature that is becoming increasingly common.
Imagine asking your AI for the weather, and a deep, authoritative voice responds. Or, picture a soft, gentle voice helping you with homework. Why do these differences matter? Well, they bring us to our main topic: the ethics of gender representation in AI voice assistants. For a long time, most AI assistants like Siri or Alexa had female-sounding voices. This wasn’t just a random choice.
Research showed that people generally found female voices to be warmer and more welcoming. And people were used to hearing women’s voices from back when operators connected phone calls.
On the flip side, some people prefer to hear male voices for authoritative roles, like GPS navigation or voiceovers in documentaries. But this leads to ethical concerns. Are we reinforcing traditional stereotypes about gender roles, stereotyping men in roles of power and women in roles of service?
One method of dealing with this issue is to use gender-neutral voices. These are designed to not clearly sound male or female, aiming to represent a wider range of human experiences and identities. It's a step towards inclusivity, and an attempt to avoid the stereotypes of gender from previous generations.
When AI voice assistants reinforce gender stereotypes, they might also impact how we view gender roles in real life. But when we make these voices gender-neutral, are we erasing gender differences that are a real part of many people's identities?
Some people argue that having a range of gendered voices in AI can reflect the diversity of human experiences. Others believe that breaking away from gendered voices entirely is the key to challenging stereotypes and promoting equality. There’s no easy answer, and technology is constantly evolving to reflect our changing society.
So, what do you think? Should AI voice assistants have a gender? Or should they be gender-neutral to avoid reinforcing stereotypes? As we continue to integrate AI into our daily lives, it's important to think about how the choices we make about technology today shape our future.
Let’s discuss: How do AI assistants impact our attitudes toward gender in the real world?
Case Study
Distribute or read Case Study handout.
Summary: A fictional school district introduces “Skyler,” an AI assistant capable of switching between male and female voices, sparking a debate on gender representation in AI. Students and teachers grapple with whether Skyler’s voice should be male, female, or gender-neutral. This case study highlights the complexities of gender representation in AI technology and its influence on user interaction and societal perceptions.
Student Handout
Case Study: Digital Assistant
A school district has partnered with an AI corporation to introduce a new digital assistant, “Skyler,” into their classrooms. Skyler, designed to help students with educational tasks, can switch between a male and a female voice. The introduction of Skyler has sparked a lively debate among students and teachers about the impact of assistants’ gender.
Background Information
AI (Artificial Intelligence) assistants like Skyler are computer programs designed to interact with humans in a way that feels natural. They can answer questions, play music, and even help with homework. Skyler’s ability to switch voices has made everyone at Technoville Middle School think more deeply about why AI assistants usually have a gender, and what it means for them to do so.
Problem Analysis
The main challenge here is understanding the ethical concerns about gender in AI assistants. Some students feel more comfortable with Skyler’s female voice, saying it’s warmer and more friendly. Others prefer the male voice, finding it more authoritative. A few students wonder why Skyler needs to have a gender at all.
Teachers have noticed that students tended to ask Skyler more homework-related questions when it used a male voice, but when using a female voice, they asked more about organizing their school day. This observation raised concerns about reinforcing gender stereotypes – ideas about how males and females are “supposed” to behave.
Possible Solutions
Keeping Gender-Specific Voices: One solution is to keep Skyler with the option of both male and female voices, allowing students to choose their preference. This approach respects individual comfort levels but may continue to reinforce gender stereotypes.
Creating a Gender-Neutral Voice: Another solution is to develop a gender-neutral voice for Skyler. This could be more inclusive, showing students that abilities and roles in society shouldn’t be limited by gender.
Educational Approach:The school could use Skyler as a tool to teach students about gender stereotypes. They could hold discussions and activities that explore why people associate certain traits or roles with specific genders and how technology can both reflect and influence societal views.
Conclusion
The case of Skyler at Technoville Middle School opens up an important conversation about gender and technology. It shows us how something as simple as a voice in a machine can influence our thoughts and behaviors. As AI technology becomes more common, it’s important to think about the messages we’re sending with the choices we make in designing and using these tools.
Questions
Do you think AI assistants like Skyler should have a gender? Why or why not?
How might our interactions with AI assistants shape our understanding of gender roles in society?
If you were to design an AI assistant, what features would you include to make it inclusive and respectful of all users?
Simulation
Students will simulate being part of a tech committee responsible for deciding the gender voice of an AI assistant in various scenarios, fostering critical thinking about gender stereotypes and inclusivity in technology.
Introduction
Scenario Exploration
Group Presentations
Student handout
Simulation Activity: AI Voice Selection Committee
The following scenarios each describe a specialized situation in which people might be using an AI voice assistant. For each scenario, have students consider whether they think people would prefer a male, female, or ambiguous voice. Cut out these slips to distribute to students.
Scenario A: Library Assistant
An AI in a library helps patrons find books and research materials. It can provide book summaries, locate resources, and even suggest reading based on people’s interests.
Scenario B: Classroom Helper
In the math classroom, an AI assistant helps students by explaining complex mathematical concepts, solving problems step-by-step, and offering practice quizzes to reinforce learning.
Scenario C: Sports Coach
At a local athletic club, an AI assistant provides instructions on sports techniques, offers tips for improving physical performance, and even gives feedback on athletic activities.
Scenario D: Health Adviser
At a clinic downtown, an AI assistant offers advice on nutrition and mental well-being, and answers questions related to personal health.
Scenario E: Music Tutor
A music teacher has an AI assistant that helps people learning instruments. This assistant suggests pieces of music to learn, discusses music theory, and offers technique tips.
Scenario F: Science Experiment Guide
This AI assistant guides students through experiments, explaining scientific principles, ensures safety protocols, and helps interpret results.
Scenario G: Language Learning Companion
An AI assistant in a language learning app assists people learning a foreign language. It aids in pronunciation, helps with vocabulary, and facilitates conversational practice.
Scenario H: Art Critique Assistant
For people learning to produce art, this AI assistant offers critiques over their work. It discusses different art styles and provides historical context to various art movements.
Scenario I: GPS Directions
Trying to get from one place to another can be challenging, and drivers can’t always look at the map. This digital assistant speaks the directions so drivers know where to turn.
Scenario J: Emotional Support Bot
People needing basic counseling can get help from an AI bot designed to provide a safe space for them to express feelings. This bot also guides people through stress-relief activities.
Discussion
These questions are designed to be used in whole-class discussion. Ask questions that relate most effectively to the lesson.
- How much do you think gender stereotypes influenced your choices for the AI voice in each scenario?
- In what ways do you think the gender of an AI voice affects the way users interact with and perceive the AI?
- How does the gender we assign to AI voices reflect broader societal norms and expectations?
- Is it possible to have a truly gender-neutral AI voice, and what would that entail?
- How might the perceived gender of an AI influence the emotional responses or trust users have towards the AI?
- How important are diversity and inclusion in the design of AI technology, particularly in terms of gender representation?
- Do you think the gender of an AI voice can impact a student’s learning experience or comfort level in educational settings?
- How do you envision the future of AI voice assistants in terms of gender representation, and what changes would you like to see?
Assessment
Exit Ticket: Provide a prompt for students to reflect on their learning, such as
