AGEISM IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: A REVIEW

Abstract

Abstract Background Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a major driver of technological development in the 21st century, yet little attention has been paid to algorithmic biases towards older adults. "Digital ageism" is a new form of ageism that is embedded into technology and AI systems. Aim: This review aimed to explore how age-related bias is encoded in AI systems to better understand digital ageism. Methods The scoping review follows a six-stage methodology framework developed by Arksey and O'Malley. The search strategy has been established in six databases and we will investigate grey literature databases, targeted websites, popular search engines. An iterative search strategy was used. Studies meet the inclusion criteria if they are in English, peer-reviewed, available electronically in full-text, and included the concepts ‘bias’ and old age. At least two reviewers independently conducted title/abstract screening and full-text screening. Results Our database searches resulted in 7 595 manuscripts that underwent title and abstract screening. Of these 49 papers, were included in the study. The word "ageism" was explicitly mentioned only in about half of these papers. Approximately half the papers mentioned how age-related bias could be encoded into AI systems. The most commonly used AI applicaiton was computer vision. Conclusions Our preliminary findings contribute foundational knowledge about the age-related biases that were encoded or amplified in AI systems. This work advances how AI can be developed in a manner consistent with ethical values and human rights legislation, particularly as it relates to an older and aging population.