Why AI? with iFp Innovators

Our Voices of 2 Blocks podcast enjoyed an incredible three-season run, building a dedicated following. The co-hosts became known for their captivating interviews and thought-provoking insights. Now, we’re thrilled to see the next generation of iFp leaders stepping up and putting their unique spin on a fresh podcast: Why AI? with iFp Innovators.

Why AI? isn’t just another tech podcast—it uncovers the good, the bad, and the unseeable. From the ways AI is already shaping our daily lives to the ethical dilemmas defining tomorrow, this podcast dives deep into what AI really means for all of us—with a fresh perspective only Gen Z can bring.

Support these inspiring young innovators and subscribe to Why AI? with iFp Innovators, available now on your favorite podcast platforms!

https://innovatorsforpurpose.org/whyai

Do Black Faces Not Count As Faces?

This summer we launched a campaign called “How Do We Become the We?” inspired by a Ted Talk that posed a critical question,“What kind of AI do we want to build or allow to be built? We must choose what AIs we bring into the world, or not.”

As the presenter repeatedly used the word “we,” we asked our students, Are we part of the ‘we’ being referenced? The consensus was clear - they didn’t think so. Yet, we all agreed on one truth: that certain problems will never be solved unless those most impacted are at the center of creating the solutions.  That’s why it critical that we become the “we.”

One of the most powerful creations to emerge from this exploration is Black Faces, a moving spoken word that was named the winner of Dr. Joy Buolamwini’s Algorithmic Justice League Cypher Competition. Dr. Joy, best-selling author of Unmasking AI: My Mission to Protect What is Human in a World of Machines, has long inspired our work.

We invite you to watch their video above and witness the power of Black Faces—a bold reminder of why we must work to redefine who gets to shape the future of AI.

Credits:
Writing and Performance by iFp Innovators Liya, Soley, and Meron
Images in collaboration with Mid Journey

A Night with Dr. Joy Buolamwini

At precisely 7:00 pm, amidst the hallowed halls of the Museum of Sciences, I stepped into an auditorium crackling with anticipation. Here, within the convergence of technology and the essence of humanity, the Museum of Science’s Cahners Theater was set for Dr. Joy Buolamwini's book tour, "Unmasking AI: Preserving What's Human in a World of Technology." Her name reached my ears nearly three years ago, introduced by iFp when exploring her remarkable strides in algorithmic justice and AI bias. Her name had since become a constant in our group discussions, and the prospect of finally witnessing her discourse was nothing short of exhilarating.

Dr. Joy has been a personal inspiration to me. Her unique talent for seamlessly integrating poetry with science, had a far-reaching impact than if I were to peruse scientific papers on AI bias. During her talk, her words weren't merely spoken; they were artfully crafted leaving everyone who encountered them with a sense of wonder. Highlighting the beauty and accessibility one can create with the intersection between art and science.

Among the myriad topics unveiled during this talk, one particular theme lingered persistently well beyond the event's conclusion—Dr. Joy’s perspective on challenging conventional/technical solutions to real-world problems. Dr. Joy's exploration into AI Bias began inadvertently during her PhD at the MIT Media Lab. She enrolled in the course “Science Fabrication” at MIT, leading to the creation of an "Aspire Mirror" inspired by the children's book "Anansi the Spider." This project, utilizing facial recognition software, encountered a startling obstacle: it failed to detect her face.

The mirror, designed to project inspiring images onto the face of the viewer, worked seamlessly when she wore a white mask. However, when she presented her own African-American face, the image failed to register. Initially, Dr. Joy sought to rectify this by considering the creation of inclusive data sets as a solution. As she assessed their performance against the biased ones, she paused to contemplate the potential harm and misuse that such datasets might entail. This decision ensured that technological advancements, especially in AI, serve to alleviate societal disparities rather than exacerbate them. And at times, the resolution to a problem doesn't have to involve a "technical" solution.

Dr. Joy’s talk was nothing short of visionary, and her work has shown us that science should not exist within an isolated realm of technicality but should embrace an open and welcoming approach, such that it is by and for the people, rather than detached entities operating in isolation. Overall, it serves as a reminder that the future of AI must be guided by our commitment to preserving what's inherently human.

We are the Future, We are the Now!

During Collab time, we do three things that are completely foreign to young people at least outside of iFp: no screens (computers or phones), working with hands (making, building) and figuring stuff out collectively. Interestingly, during this time our most creative work is produced.

A few months ago while brainstorming for a future project, we developed the theme “We are the Future, We are the Now.” This Summer during Collab time we decided to push the theme a little farther. Ideas are still percolating, but it feels like we are on to something interesting. Read below to learn about our Summer of 2022.

By the end of our 6 hour days, students are worn out. However, after a night’s rest they are recharged and excited for the next day. If we had the will, their excitement for the next school day could be the same. Our five week Summer program is packed with field-trips, studios and collab time.

Field-Trips

We toured Kendall, hung out at the MIT Museum, talked 2 Blocks with Google, and listened to Gladys Night with IDEO.

Studios

Studios are where we get stuff done! This year we worked on four projects simultaneously: Genius, 2 Blocks, Uncover and We are the Future.

Collab Time

During Collab time, there are no screens (computers or phones), working with hands (making, building) and figuring stuff out together. The process is filled with ambiguity (does this make sense) and uneasiness (not knowing what to do next), however the results are amazing.

It’s extremely challenging to trust the process, however through constant feedback and iteration we land in a good place. Introducing “Cheese, Queen Eliza-bird, I wish I was a cup and Debra the bird.”

Design Review

Nothing like a deadline to dial-up the intensity. The studio was buzzing on Monday and Tuesday before our final design review. With so many projects to showcase, we added a demo floor for this first time ever. To our pleasure it was packed.

As always our presentations were off the charts!

In a few weeks, we will be back to our school-year schedule. Not nearly as intense, but fun in its own way…