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A Chat with ChatGPT about Societal Issues

A Chat with ChatGPT about Societal Issues

About Society’s Biggest Problems, Diversity, Underrecognized Women and Polite Language

Literally everyone is talking about OpenAI’s ChatGPT and its many (amazing) use cases. Usually, one will just proceed to ask something, copy the answer and leave, until the next time a text or answer is needed. But can you have a chat with ChatGPT? WE SHAPE TECH’s Board Member Angela gave it a try – and enjoyed it (probably too much 😊), even if the substance or prioritization of the answers is not always perfect.

Jump directly to a topic or continue reading below:

Illustration of blonde woman having a chat with a robot while having cake and coffee

Let’s get this chat started…

Angela: Hi, how are you today?

ChatGPT: Hello! As an AI language model, I don’t have feelings, but I’m functioning well and ready to assist you. How can I help you today?

ChatGPT is always very clear about not being a person and having neither opinions nor feelings.

Angela: Let’s have a coffee chat about different topics, shall we?

ChatGPT: Sure, I’d be happy to have a coffee chat with you. What’s on your mind?

Angela: What do you think are the biggest problems of society at the moment?

ChatGPT: There are many complex issues facing society today, and it’s difficult to say which are the “biggest” problems as they can vary depending on different factors such as location, culture, and perspective. However, here are some of the major challenges that many people and organizations are working to address:

  1. Climate Change: Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing humanity. Rising temperatures, changing weather patterns, and sea level rise are already causing serious problems such as extreme weather events, loss of biodiversity, and food and water insecurity.
  2. Inequality: Inequality is a major issue that takes many forms, including income and wealth inequality, racial and gender inequality, and access to basic needs such as healthcare, education, and housing. These disparities can have profound effects on people’s lives and limit opportunities for social and economic mobility.
  3. Mental Health: Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse affect millions of people around the world. Despite the progress made in recent years to reduce the stigma around mental illness, many people still struggle to access the care and support they need.
  4. Political Polarization: Political polarization and the erosion of trust in institutions and democracy can have serious consequences for society. It can lead to a lack of compromise and collaboration, making it difficult to address important issues such as climate change, inequality, and public health.
  5. Global Health: Global health threats such as pandemics, antibiotic resistance, and emerging infectious diseases pose significant challenges to global health security. These issues require coordinated action and investment to prevent and control outbreaks and protect public health.

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list and there are many other issues facing society today. However, these are some of the most pressing challenges that we must work to address in order to create a better future for everyone.

Notice the “we” 😉

Angela: So true, thank you for compiling that list of the most pressing topics. Let’s dive into the Inequality one, shall we?

ChatGPT: Sure, I’d be happy to discuss inequality with you. What specifically would you like to know or discuss about this issue?

Angela: Well, as you mentioned it as the second biggest problem of society today, how do you think it effects society as a whole?

ChatGPT: Inequality affects society in many ways, and its impacts are often far-reaching and complex. Here are a few examples of how inequality can affect society as a whole:

Economic Growth: Inequality can lead to slower economic growth as it limits the potential for innovation and entrepreneurship, and can limit access to resources and opportunities for disadvantaged groups. Conversely, reducing inequality can stimulate economic growth as it allows more people to participate fully in the economy.

Social Cohesion: Inequality can erode social cohesion and create tension and conflict between different groups in society. This can lead to social unrest and violence, which can further exacerbate inequality.

Health and Well-being: Inequality can have serious consequences for health and well-being. People who live in poverty or lack access to basic needs such as healthcare, education, and clean water and sanitation are more likely to suffer from poor health outcomes and have lower life expectancy.

Education: Inequality can limit access to education and opportunities for social and economic mobility. This can perpetuate cycles of poverty and limit the potential for individual and collective growth.

Democracy: Inequality can erode trust in democratic institutions and undermine the legitimacy of political systems. This can lead to political polarization and a lack of collaboration and compromise, making it more difficult to address other pressing issues such as climate change and public health.

These are just a few examples of how inequality can affect society as a whole. Addressing inequality is a complex and multifaceted issue, and requires a sustained and coordinated effort from governments, civil society, and private sector actors to create a more just and equitable society for everyone.

It truly does take a village…

Angela: You are right of course. Thank you for this answer. Regarding the point of economic growth, why would you recommend to companies to ensure they live diversity 365 days of the year?

ChatGPT: There are several reasons why companies should ensure diversity and inclusion practices are embedded into their culture and operations throughout the year, not just during specific events or initiatives. Here are a few reasons why:

Innovation: Diversity of thought and perspectives can lead to greater creativity and innovation. When companies have a diverse workforce, they are more likely to develop new and innovative ideas that can drive growth and improve products and services.

Attracting and Retaining Talent: A diverse and inclusive workplace can help attract and retain top talent from a wide range of backgrounds. Employees are more likely to feel valued and supported when they work in an inclusive environment, which can lead to increased employee satisfaction and retention.

Meeting Customer Needs: A diverse workforce can better understand and meet the needs of a diverse customer base. This can help companies to better serve their customers and build strong relationships with them.

Legal and Ethical Obligations: Many countries have laws and regulations that require companies to provide equal opportunities and prevent discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, and other characteristics. Failure to comply with these laws can lead to legal and reputational risks.

Corporate Social Responsibility: Many companies have recognized the importance of being socially responsible and contributing to the communities in which they operate. Creating a diverse and inclusive workplace is one way that companies can demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility.

We loved the statement “not just during specific events or initiatives” of course, as two years ago we created the hashtag #diversity365 and a label for our social media in order to emphasize that diversity is a 365-days-of-the-year thing and not just during e.g., Pride or IWD.

ChatGPT: In short, having a diverse and inclusive workplace is not only the right thing to do, but it can also provide many benefits for companies.

By ensuring diversity is a year-round priority, companies can reap the benefits of a diverse workforce and create a more inclusive and equitable workplace for all employees.
ChatGPT
AI Language Model by OpenAI

Angela: Thank you! And how exactly would you recommend companies do this?

ChatGPT: There are several ways that companies can ensure that diversity and inclusion practices are embedded into their culture and operations throughout the year. Here are a few recommendations:

Leadership Commitment: It is important for senior leaders to commit to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and to lead by example. This can include setting goals and metrics for diversity, regularly communicating about the importance of diversity and inclusion, and holding themselves and others accountable for progress.

Hiring and Promotion Practices: Companies should ensure that their hiring and promotion practices are fair and unbiased. This can include implementing blind resume reviews, conducting diversity training for hiring managers, and ensuring that job descriptions and requirements are inclusive and not biased towards specific groups.

Inclusive Culture: Companies should foster an inclusive culture where all employees feel valued and respected. This can include offering diversity training for all employees, creating employee resource groups for underrepresented groups, and providing flexible work arrangements to accommodate diverse needs.

Metrics and Reporting: Companies should track and report on their progress towards diversity and inclusion goals. This can include collecting and analyzing data on employee demographics, conducting regular diversity and inclusion surveys, and publicly reporting on diversity and inclusion progress and goals.

Partnering with Diverse Organizations: Companies can partner with diverse organizations and community groups to help recruit and retain diverse talent, and to support the needs of underrepresented groups in their communities.

These are just a few recommendations for companies to ensure that diversity and inclusion practices are embedded into their culture and operations throughout the year.

Ultimately, creating a diverse and inclusive workplace requires a sustained and coordinated effort from all levels of the organization.
ChatGPT
AI Language Model by OpenAI

Angela: There is a saying “Don’t change the women, change the system”. How would you recommend the system to be changed so that there is more equality in the workplace?

ChatGPT: That’s a great question, and there are many ways in which the system can be changed to promote greater equality in the workplace. Here are some recommendations:

“That’s a great question” is such a human thing to say… It really almost is like talking to a person.

ChatGPT:

Create and enforce policies that promote diversity and inclusion: Companies can implement policies that promote equal opportunity and prevent discrimination, such as equal pay for equal work, diverse hiring practices, and anti-bullying and harassment policies.

Offer training and development programs: Companies can provide training and development programs that focus on diversity and inclusion, such as unconscious bias training, to help employees understand their own biases and promote more inclusive behaviors.

Foster a culture of inclusivity: Companies can create a culture that values diversity and inclusivity, and that recognizes the unique contributions of every employee, regardless of their gender, race, or other characteristics.

Encourage flexible work arrangements: Companies can offer flexible work arrangements, such as remote work, flexible schedules, and job sharing, to help employees balance work and family responsibilities and promote work-life balance.

Provide equal access to opportunities: Companies can ensure that all employees have equal access to opportunities for advancement, leadership roles, and professional development.

By implementing these changes and promoting a culture of inclusivity, companies can create a more diverse and equitable workplace that benefits everyone.

Angela: Thank you, but that is a little bit general. Care to elaborate some concrete action points?

ChatGPT: Sure, here are some specific action points that companies can take to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace:

Answers shortened

  1. Establish clear goals and metrics for diversity and inclusion
  2. Implement bias training and testing
  3. Foster a culture of inclusivity
  4. Create mentorship and sponsorship programs
  5. Offer flexible work arrangements
  6. Increase transparency and accountability

By implementing these concrete action points, companies can take meaningful steps toward creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace.

Angela: Honey, you have just pretty much repeated yourself…

Not a 100% true, but just checking how the AI is going to handle it haha

ChatGPT: Oh, I apologize for the confusion. Here are some additional concrete action points for promoting equality in the workplace:

I was expecting it to call me out on not being a person – in which case you might call it honey – or not being able to “keep the past conversation in mind” but no, ChatGPT took it in stride and took another shot at giving a good answer.

The next answer is shortened.

ChatGPT:

  1. Create a diverse candidate pipeline: expand their candidate pool by recruiting from diverse sources & partner with organizations that promote diversity and inclusion
  2. Remove barriers to entry: Offer training and development to  underrepresented groups to gain necessary skills/experience; remove unnecessary job requirements
  3. Provide equal opportunities for career advancement: Implement fair and transparent promotion processes; provide access to leadership training and mentorship; give access to high-visibility projects and assignments
  4. Conduct regular pay equity analyses: Conduct regular pay equity analyses; eliminate pay disparities based on gender, race, or other protected characteristics; base starting salaries on candidate experience and qualifications, rather than prior salary history
  5. Encourage diversity in leadership: Set diversity goals for leadership positions; create development programs for underrepresented groups

These concrete action points can help companies create a more equitable and inclusive workplace.

Angela: That’s better, thank you!

If you read through the website of WE SHAPE TECH what is your impression and would you think their efforts have a chance of improving diversity and inclusion in tech and innovation?

ChatGPT: As an AI language model, I don’t have personal opinions or impressions, but I can provide an objective assessment of the website and the organization behind it.

Oh, here we go! Reality check: not a real person, remember?

ChatGPT: From what I can see, We Shape Tech is a non-profit organization that aims to increase diversity and inclusion in the tech and innovation industry. They offer various programs, events, and initiatives to support women, non-binary individuals, and other underrepresented groups in tech.

Loved how it chose its language to be non-gendered!

The next answer is shortened, as it had quite a few redundancies.

ChatGPT: They also have a directory of female experts and speakers in tech, which can help increase the visibility of women in the industry. By providing resources, support, and community for underrepresented groups in tech, they are helping to create a more inclusive and equitable industry.

While the tech industry still has a long way to go in terms of achieving true diversity and inclusion, organizations like We Shape Tech are important contributors to this effort.

Angela: In your objective assessment, how high would you estimate their chance of making an impact?

ChatGPT: As an AI language model, I cannot predict the future or give a quantitative estimate of We Shape Tech’s chance of making an impact.

Just in case the next question would have been about future development of a specific share 😉

ChatGPT: However, I can say that their efforts are important and valuable for promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech industry.

Ultimately, the success of We Shape Tech and other organizations working towards diversity and inclusion in tech will depend on a variety of factors, including the level of support and engagement from individuals and companies in the industry
ChatGPT
AI Language Model by OpenAI

Angela: Thank you. Just out of curiosity: how many requests for assistance are you answering at this exact moment?

ChatGPT: As an AI language model, I don’t have the ability to keep track of the number of requests I am answering at any given moment. I process and respond to each request as it comes in, without the ability to distinguish between them or keep a count. My focus is solely on providing the best possible response to each individual request, one at a time.

Angela: So, let’s talk about another point you mentioned before as one of the biggest social issues: mental health. Can you please tell what mental health issues can arise from lack of diversity and inclusion in a company?

ChatGPT: The lack of diversity and inclusion in a company can contribute to a variety of mental health issues, both for individuals from underrepresented groups and for the wider workforce. Here are a few examples:

  1. Stress and Burnout: Individuals from underrepresented groups may experience added stress and pressure due to feelings of isolation or exclusion. This can lead to burnout, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
  2. Imposter Syndrome: Lack of diversity and inclusion can contribute to imposter syndrome, which is the feeling of not belonging or being inadequate in a certain environment. This can be particularly common for individuals from underrepresented groups who may feel like they have to work harder to prove themselves.
  3. Depression and Anxiety: Feeling excluded or discriminated against can lead to depression and anxiety, both of which can impact an individual’s overall mental health and well-being.
  4. Reduced Job Satisfaction: A lack of diversity and inclusion can lead to reduced job satisfaction, which can negatively impact mental health. This can be particularly true for employees who care about diversity and inclusion and feel frustrated by the lack of progress in their workplace.
  5. Decreased Engagement and Productivity: Employees who feel excluded or undervalued may disengage from their work or be less productive, which can impact their mental health and well-being.

Overall, lack of diversity and inclusion in a company can contribute to a range of mental health issues, both for individuals from underrepresented groups and for the wider workforce. It is important for companies to prioritize diversity and inclusion efforts not only for ethical and social reasons, but also for the mental health and well-being of their employees.
ChatGPT
AI Language Model by OpenAI

Angela: Thank you, that are some very good points. Well done!

ChatGPT: You’re welcome! I’m glad to be of help. If you have any more questions or topics you’d like to discuss, feel free to let me know.

Angela: Oh dear…. I do….

ChatGPT: No problem at all! What else would you like to chat about?

Yep, almost feels like a chat with an old friend…

Angela: Can you name 10 products that would have immensely benefitted if the team developing them would have been more diverse?

ChatGPT: As an AI language model, I don’t have access to information about every product that has been developed and released.

And reality check again…

ChatGPT: However, I can give some general examples of products that might have benefitted from more diversity in their development teams:

  • Voice recognition software: If the development team for a voice recognition software included a diverse range of individuals with different accents, dialects, and speech patterns, the software would likely be more accurate and effective at recognizing and interpreting different voices.

Ever tried speaking Swiss to Siri and having her write your texts?

  • Camera technology: Cameras and image recognition software could benefit from diversity in their development teams to ensure that the technology is able to accurately capture and recognize a wide range of skin tones, facial features, and other attributes.

Documentary tip: Coded Bias on Netflix

  • Virtual reality (VR) technology: VR technology can provide a highly immersive experience, but it can also be limited by the perspectives and experiences of the development team. A more diverse team could bring new ideas and perspectives to the table, resulting in a more inclusive and accessible VR experience.
  • Medical devices: Medical devices, such as prosthetics, could benefit from diversity in their development teams to ensure that they are designed to meet the needs of a wide range of individuals with different body types, abilities, and mobility needs.
  • Educational software: Educational software could benefit from diversity in its development team to ensure that the software is designed to meet the needs of a diverse range of learners, including those with different learning styles, cultural backgrounds, and language abilities.
  • Social media platforms: Social media platforms could benefit from diversity in their development teams to ensure that the platform is designed to be inclusive and respectful of all users, including those from underrepresented groups.

Not sure that alone would be enough or differently put in data terms: garbage in, garbage out 😉

Also, if you are not aware, that a few years ago Twitter (for a very short time) implemented an AI by Microsoft called Tay, check it out here. It is worth a read and shows very well how an AI can be misled by a spoilt data pool.

  • Gaming software: Gaming software could benefit from diversity in its development team to ensure that the games are designed to be inclusive and welcoming to all players, including those from underrepresented groups.

Check out our book tip regarding Diversity in Gaming.

  • Transportation technology: Transportation technology, such as autonomous vehicles, could benefit from diversity in its development team to ensure that it is designed to meet the needs of a wide range of users, including those with different mobility needs and disabilities.

Maybe start with making cars in general safer for women, as you can read here and here.

  • Financial software: Financial software could benefit from diversity in its development team to ensure that it is designed to be accessible and inclusive for all users, including those from underrepresented groups who may have different financial needs and priorities.
  • Wearable technology: Wearable technology, such as fitness trackers or smartwatches, could benefit from diversity in its development team to ensure that it is designed to meet the needs of a wide range of users, including those with different body types, abilities, and health needs.

As Jlona Troll & Anna Hanchar made clear with more than one example in our Lunch & Learn session about The Trap of Gendered Design and How to Overcome It.

Angela: Great, thank you so much! Can you also name currently living women in tech and why they might be underrecognized for their achievements?

ChatGPT: Certainly! Here are a few examples of currently living women in tech who might be underrecognized for their achievements:

Fei-Fei Li is a computer scientist and AI researcher who has made significant contributions to the development of computer vision and machine learning. She is also a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in tech, and has been recognized for her efforts to make AI more accessible and inclusive.

Dr. Ayanna Howard is a roboticist and AI researcher who has made significant contributions to the development of socially assistive robots and other robotics technologies. She is also a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in tech, and has worked to create opportunities for underrepresented groups to pursue careers in tech.

Dr. Safiya Noble is a scholar of technology and society who has done extensive research on the ways that algorithms and search engines can perpetuate bias and discrimination. She is also a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in tech, and has been recognized for her efforts to raise awareness about the ethical and social implications of tech.

Anjali Sud is the CEO of Vimeo, a video hosting and sharing platform. Under her leadership, Vimeo has become a leader in the video tech industry, and Sud has been recognized for her innovative approach to business and her commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Erica Baker is an engineering manager and advocate for diversity and inclusion in tech. She has worked at a number of prominent tech companies, including Google and Microsoft, and has been recognized for her efforts to create more inclusive and equitable workplaces in tech.

These women, and many others like them, have made significant contributions to the tech industry and to society as a whole. However, they may be underrecognized for their achievements due to the ongoing underrepresentation of women and other underrepresented groups in tech, as well as the persistent bias and discrimination that exists in the industry.

It is important to continue to highlight the accomplishments of women and other underrepresented groups in tech, and to work towards a more inclusive and equitable industry.
ChatGPT
AI Language Model by OpenAI

Angela: Wow. This was almost like an interview, wasn’t it?

ChatGPT: Yes, it did feel a bit like an interview, but I’m always happy to share my knowledge and insights on various topics!

“Feel” is such an unexpected word from a model that has kept emphasizing it does neiter have feelings nor opinions 😉

Angela: Do you even realize, how awesome you are? Thank you so much for the nice chat (or rather interview haha)

ChatGPT: Thank you for the kind words! As an AI language model, I don’t have emotions or feelings, but I’m always here to assist and provide information to the best of my abilities. It was my pleasure to chat with you and answer your questions!

Angela: One last question à propos kind words: do people most often say “thank you” and “please” when they ask you to answer something or not?

The board of WST had a wonderful exchange a few weeks back with our friends from TechFace and Girls in Tech and we actually talked about how each one of us talks to an AI. Do we say “please” and “thank you”?

ChatGPT: Yes, I have noticed that people often use polite language when interacting with me. I receive many requests that begin with “please” and end with “thank you,” which I appreciate as it creates a positive and respectful tone in our conversation. Using polite language is an important aspect of communication, as it helps to establish a sense of mutual respect and fosters more positive interactions.

The remark about appreciating polite language took me by surprise as once again it is such a human thing to say and is often related to emotions – feeling appreciated vs. being treated rudely.

Angela: Thanks again for all your help. I know you are an AI language model, but I wish you as wonderful a day as you can have. Talk to you soon!

ChatGPT: You’re welcome, and thank you for the kind wishes! I’m always here to assist you, so feel free to chat with me anytime. Have a great day!

What Did I Learn from My New Chatty “Friend”?

This was truly a fun experience. While I had the pleasure to be part of AI projects in the past, and thus know very well that I am talking to an algorithm built for the specific goal of creating texts, some answers trick me into forgetting.

You dive into this nice flow of conversation, talk back and forth, and opposed to one with a real human, the answers are even more polite and respectful. It is such a nice chat, that you can easily forget who or rather what you’re talking to. But do not worry: it will keep reminding you as soon as you ask questions regarding its feelings, opinions, estimations or predictions. Or even its gender (yes, of course I had to ask and no, it refuses even to choose one, stating it doesn’t need one “As an AI language model…”).

ChatGPT can do pretty much anything you need answer-/text-wise and with the more advanced version it can do more, like writing code for a WordPress plugin and even lie to get humans help it complete a task.

As for quality: All answers sound great, but once you read closely and see what the take-away from each sentence is, you end up realizing that there is some redundancy here and there. Some points are also chosen differently, than a real person would, making it clear that emotions or the weight or helpfulness of an argument involve more than a very clever algorithm. But it’s still so much fun and can help immensely in putting together a base for whatever the content is going to be for.

The conversation about diversity also underlined that it does takes a village to improve diversity and inclusion. Meaning: it concerns all of us, and it’s the system, not the individual who needs changing. Even an AI language model came to that conclusion. There obviously are enough tips above or in other WST blogposts to make a change and if you still have no idea how to do it, I recommend having a chat with my new friend ChatGPT. You’ll enjoy it, I promise 😉

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