Digital images generated by Artificial Intelligence as ethnographic experimentation

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21142/DES-1602-2024-0023

Keywords:

Anthropology, Ethnography, Artificial Intelligence, Image

Abstract

The article discusses the role of images produced 
by artificial intelligence (AI) in visual anthropology,  highlighting their ability to represent identity and  experience. It also addresses the technical and  ethical challenges of AI data classification and its  interaction with socio-technical networks, questioning technological neutrality. Technical implications include  data categorization that can perpetuate biases and  power relations. The simplification and distortion of representations by AI is highlighted, requiring a critical  analysis of the stories embedded in the categorizations. It is proposed that anthropologists examine the relationship between image, label, and referent, recognizing differences and similarities in their roles and those of AI labelers in knowledge production. In addition, it discusses how AI images can influence anthropological interpretation and analysis by blending reality and emotion. It is argued that a critical engagement with the ethical and technical implications of the generation and use of these images is necessary. 

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Author Biography

  • Juliane Cristina Helanski Cardoso, Universidade Estadual de Campinas. São Paulo, Brasil

    Doutoranda em Ciências Sociais pela Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Seu interesse de pesquisa é a ciência e tecnologia, especialmente a Inteligência Artificial. Participe também como pesquisadora colaboradora em dois centros de excelência em Inteligência Artificial: o Centro de Inteligência Artificial da Universidade de São Paulo (C4AI/IBM/FAPESP) e o Understanding Artificial Intelligence (UAI/IEA/USP); e em antropologia visual: o Laboratório Antropológico de Grafia e Imagem (La’grima).

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Published

2024-04-30

How to Cite

Digital images generated by Artificial Intelligence as ethnographic experimentation. (2024). Desde El Sur, 16(2), e0023. https://doi.org/10.21142/DES-1602-2024-0023

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