Algorithmic Bias In Digital Systems Across Race And Skin Tone: Effects On User Experience
Location
SU-215
Start Date
1-5-2026 11:40 AM
Department
Nontraditional Degree Programs
Abstract
The rise of technology has opened up new opportunities and ways of seeing the world. While technology has brought significant contributions to humanity, there has also been an increase in algorithmic bias within Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems. Some of these contemporary challenges include new forms of discrimination and racism toward people of African descent with darker skin tone complexions. This research investigates how the underrepresentation of Black and other racialized individuals in technology contributes to systemic inequities in the digital world. Thus, this study raises critical questions about technological fairness and digital equity. This study examines how high-tech biases are perceived and experienced by racialized populations, and the inequities in user experience and services that they create. The goal of this research is to understand how artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies contribute to digital discrimination and systemic racism, and how poorly trained models contribute to digital inequality. Lastly, the study aims to examine technology-related biases through usability testing, structured observation, and data-driven analysis. The participants in this study are students at a Midwest university in an urban setting; the survey will be distributed through student organization presidents and student groups at the university. To broaden recruitment, the survey may also be shared through professional networking platforms such as LinkedIn to reach a wider adult population. Keywords: technochauvinism, digital equity, user experience, technological fairness, artificial intelligence, racialized populations, usability testing
Faculty Sponsor
Erica Krueger
Faculty Sponsor
Kelly O'Malley
Algorithmic Bias In Digital Systems Across Race And Skin Tone: Effects On User Experience
SU-215
The rise of technology has opened up new opportunities and ways of seeing the world. While technology has brought significant contributions to humanity, there has also been an increase in algorithmic bias within Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems. Some of these contemporary challenges include new forms of discrimination and racism toward people of African descent with darker skin tone complexions. This research investigates how the underrepresentation of Black and other racialized individuals in technology contributes to systemic inequities in the digital world. Thus, this study raises critical questions about technological fairness and digital equity. This study examines how high-tech biases are perceived and experienced by racialized populations, and the inequities in user experience and services that they create. The goal of this research is to understand how artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies contribute to digital discrimination and systemic racism, and how poorly trained models contribute to digital inequality. Lastly, the study aims to examine technology-related biases through usability testing, structured observation, and data-driven analysis. The participants in this study are students at a Midwest university in an urban setting; the survey will be distributed through student organization presidents and student groups at the university. To broaden recruitment, the survey may also be shared through professional networking platforms such as LinkedIn to reach a wider adult population. Keywords: technochauvinism, digital equity, user experience, technological fairness, artificial intelligence, racialized populations, usability testing