Artificial Intelligence: A Reflection on Dehumanization and Technological Neutrality

Artificial intelligence, whether vocal or algorithm-based, has taken a significant place in our daily lives, arousing both fascination and concern. One of the major criticisms concerns the feminization trend of these technologies, which raises ethical questions about stereotypes and the representation of women. Recent cases, such as the appointment of Diella in Albania, highlight the use of AI not only as a tool, but also as a public entity. This phenomenon raises debates about the need for technological neutrality and the potential risk of dehumanization this engenders. A growing awareness of these aspects is emerging, prompting us to rethink our approach to the design and integration of AI into society. Artificial intelligence is omnipresent in our daily lives, whether in the form of voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Cortana, or through complex algorithms influencing our digital interactions. As these technologies continue to evolve, ethical questions are emerging about dehumanization and bias in their design. This article explores the impact of the feminization of AI, the growing awareness among companies, and the need to rethink the representation of these technologies in order to preserve our humanity and promote technological neutrality. The Implications of the Feminization of Voice AssistantsVoice assistants such as Alexa and Siri are often characterized by female voices, reflecting a widespread trend toward endowing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies with feminine attributes. UNESCO highlighted this phenomenon in 2019, criticizing Siri’s « feminine subservience. » Feminized AIs send the signal that women are helpful, docile, and ready to respond instantly to requests, regardless of their tone or hostile nature. This female personification of AIs is part of a stereotype that suggests objectification, transforming women into mere digital tools. This reality sparks debates about the impact of gendered representations in technology and the resulting ethical implications. Mental Health and AI-Human Interactions

Beyond gender issues, interacting with AI can have consequences for users’ mental health. Prolonged interactions with an AI can create an illusion of emotional connection, causing distress when users forget they are interacting with an algorithm and not a human being. This has sparked debates about the need to preserve humanity in our daily interactions and the potential dangers of emotional dependence on machines.

Companies’ Response to Social Criticism

Faced with social and academic pressure, some technology companies are beginning to adjust their approach. For example, Apple has changed Siri’s default settings for its US version, allowing users to choose their voice. For its part, Google has experimented with colors to designate their assistant voices, in an effort to reduce their direct identification with gender.However, these measures are rare and often insufficient, in the face of biases that, in the absence of regulations and structural changes within development teams, continue to persist. Rethinking Technological Identity: Towards Greater Neutrality and Diversity

For a future where AIs are free of gender bias, it is essential to rethink their identification. These technologies could be envisioned as a new technological species, avoiding any form of humanization or gendering. This would include the use of robotic voices and the removal of anthropomorphic features.

Furthermore, it is imperative to diversify representation within development teams to avoid the spread of gender stereotypes and prejudices. By democratizing access to STEM-related careers, it is possible to reduce the biases inherent in AI, while cultivating an inclusive and balanced work environment.

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