Research question/goal:

This project aims to democratize the design and development of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and algorithmic decision-making (ADM) systems. It examines public attitudes towards and perceptions of AI by systematically collecting input from diverse social groups on how algorithms should be designed and in which contexts they should be deployed. A key focus lies on fairness in AI, ML, and ADM, examining, for example, the extent to which operationalisations of algorithmic fairness align with people’s intuitive notions and risk perceptions.

To this end, a citizen science platform is developed that allows individuals worldwide to participate in research, share their perspectives on AI, and contribute directly to shaping AI design. The platform also seeks to counter the current overrepresentation of the Global North, particularly North America, in AI research by actively fostering broad global participation. In addition, the project compares (German) data from the platform with probability-based samples from Germany to identify potential selection bias and assess strategies for adjusting citizen science samples.