Intersections of Ageism Amidst the AI Revolution: The Case of Norway
Event Title
Socio- Gerontechnology Network 2024
Year (definitive publication)
2024
Language
English
Country
Austria
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Abstract
Digital technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) - broadly defined as the capability of machines to mimic human intelligence, are becoming increasingly integrated into various aspects of everyday life. This integration is garnering significant attention from academics seeking to comprehend its potential and societal implications, as well as regulators striving to tame its disruptive societal effects. While the biases inherent in digital technologies have sparked considerable interest, the nexus of these biases with age discrimination - a phenomenon termed 'digital ageism' - is only beginning to infiltrate academic agendas. Notably, political interest in this area remains almost circumscribed, largely aimed at guaranteeing non-tech savvy persons accessibility to essential services such as banking, pensions, and health services. Simultaneously, it's crucial to recognize that the implications and manifestations of digital ageism are deeply embedded within local contexts. This paper aims to bridge this knowledge gap by charting the particularities of the Norwegian systems of inequality amidst the AI revolution. Drawing on Walker and Holman's synthesis of intersectionality and life course analyses, I provide an overview of the current intersectionality research agenda for Norway and examine what the recent developments can reveal about the future of AI in shaping old age in the country. One aspect particularly relevant to Norway is the complexity stemming from unprecedented demographic shifts, characterized by a high proportion of older persons, and among them, a growing number of older immigrants. I conclude by cautioning that the continued deployment of language models in the prevailing circumstances may exacerbate the adverse effects for specific demographics - notably, older Norwegians with an immigrant background.
Acknowledgements
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Keywords
Ageism,digital technologies,artificial intelligence
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