Anthropology's Role in AI Ethics

Anthropology in AI Ethics: The Imaginary “AI That Misread a Smile” In AI ethics,

responsible algorithms must consider human contexts and cultural diversity. Anthropology studies

human behaviors, social norms, and cultural values, helping ensure AI is inclusive,

fair, and socially aware. Imagine an AI-powered security camera designed to detect

suspicious behavior by analyzing facial expressions and gestures. (This is an imaginary

example to illustrate the concept.) The AI is trained on data from one country, assuming certain

facial cues are universal. In the U.S., a serious face signals focus; the AI flagged

it as threatening. In Japan, polite smiles mask stress; the AI misread this as safety.