On Thursday, October 31, 2024, during the AoIR2024 conference in Sheffield, UK, the Ageing & Technology session took place, focusing on the evolving relationship between technology and older adults. In the presentation titled Latet Anguis in Herba: Unveiling Ageism of Generative AI, researchers Andrea Rosales and Juan Linares-Lanzman examined how generative AI outputs often perpetuate ageist stereotypes. By analyzing 1,800 AI-generated images and texts, they found that, despite claims of neutrality, generative AI frequently relies on ageist tropes, challenging efforts toward inclusive representation in media.
The findings underscore that as GenAI becomes more accessible, its ability to produce stereotyped content could undermine the media industry’s progress in adopting diverse and inclusive portrayals. While social scientists have largely focused on GenAI’s reinforcement of biases around gender, race, and origin, this paper highlights the overlooked but equally pervasive issue of ageism, calling for greater awareness and prioritization in research, industry, and society.
Here can you check the abstract.