MIT is once again at the forefront of technological advancement, and this time it's bringing artificial intelligence into the conversation about LGBTQIA+ advocacy. A new online system developed by researchers, humorously named "AI Comes Out of the Closet," aims to use AI to improve interactions and foster empathy towards LGBTQIA+ individuals. According to a statement obtained by MIT News, the program allows users to refine their approach to support within a virtual environment.
The MIT team acknowledges the deep ties between the LGBTQIA+ community and AI, arguing that the field of AI has inherent connections to queer culture and its history. Lead author D. Pillis, an MIT graduate student, said in a statement to MIT News, "AI has always been queer. Computing has always been queer," referring to the significant yet often overlooked contributions of queer individuals to the field. The MIT project takes a unique stance by not only recognizing these contributions but also using AI as a tool for social good, aiming to bridge gaps and foster inclusivity.
The high-tech simulation tool crafted by the researchers aims to address pressing concerns about unfair treatment in the workplace, a reality for nearly 46 percent of LGBTQIA+ workers, as reported by MIT News. Notably, it specifically seeks to educate and inform users on the experience of coming out in the professional environment, where over half of LGBTQIA+ individuals keep their identity hidden for fear of negative repercussions.
The innovative structure of "AI Comes Out of the Closet" involves participants engaging with AI-powered virtual characters through two modes, dubbed "First Person" and "Third Person." The former puts individuals directly in the virtual shoes of someone navigating the coming-out process, while the latter allows them to guide the story from an observer's viewpoint. The study revealed that this latter method, where participants controlled the scenario from outside, actually proved to significantly boost empathy toward LGBTQIA+ experiences, based on feedback obtained post-simulation.
Despite the progress, the simulation's impact on participants' confidence in advocacy showed mixed results, suggesting a need to continuously improve the tool's effectiveness. "The most compelling surprise was how many people were both accepting and dismissive of LGBTQIA+ interactions at work," Pillis told MIT News, highlighting the complex nature of workplace dynamics surrounding LGBTQIA+ issues.
The potential for real-world application of this AI simulator spans across multiple fields, from corporate training to healthcare. Pillis envisions a future where the tool could play a critical role in promoting understanding and support for the LGBTQIA+ community, making for more inclusive and empathetic social spaces. With the collaboration of fellow MIT graduate student Pat Pataranutaporn and advisor Pattie Maes, as well as Misha Sra of the University of California at Santa Barbara, "AI Comes Out of the Closet" stands as a pioneering project at the intersection of technology and social advocacy.
