Gender Matters: The Role of Gender in Human and Machine Communication

Abstract

Technology, including machines, is one of the forces that shapes our lives. As an example, all customer interactions are expected to be driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI) by 2025. The relationship between women and technology is complex and there are multiple aspects within the framework of machine and gender discourse. Firstly, gender relations inform and shape technology since gendered assumptions and norms dominated in society impact the design, development and production of technology. Secondly, women’s underrepresentation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields have direct consequences since technology seems to be dominated by men. I argue that gender constitutes an integral part of technological production and requires attention. For this reason, the interlinkages between gender and technology should be integrated in discussions including machines. In this paper, my goal is to discuss these interlinkages and provide an overview on how machine and gender discourse have developed over the years. I aim to contribute to a greater understanding of machine and gender discourse in Turkey.