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. We study public AI attitudes, perceptions, and a potential “AI divide” by gathering comprehensive input across social groups on how algorithms should be designed and the contexts in which they should be deployed. A key focus is on fairness in AI, ML, and ADM, examining, for example, how operational definitions of algorithmic fairness align with people’s intuitive notions and risk perceptions.

To facilitate this, we plan on launching a citizen science platform where individuals worldwide can participate in studies, share their perspectives on AI and shape AI design. This platform seeks to address the current overrepresentation of the global north, particularly North America, in AI research by encouraging global participation. We further compare (German) data from the platform with probability-based samples from Germany to analyze potential biases and assess adjustments for citizen science samples.