Power Shift
Emily M. Bender, Alvin Grissom · 2024
Abstract This chapter explores the ways in which lack of inclusion in natural language processing encourages the development of inequitable and harmful technology, both through the exclusion of the language and perspectives of marginalized populations and through overexposure and surveillance, especially of these same populations. The authors review the ways in which research funding and corporate interests influence the field and the growing awareness within the research community of the deleterious potential of current language technologies, from the level of individuals to the level of societies and beyond. Finally, the authors look to some paths forward, with particular emphases on shifting power to affected communities and the role that linguists can play in shaping the development of more inclusive and less harmful language technology.