Study: AI Favors “White-sounding” Names In Hiring Scenarios

Is AI an equalizer, or does it promote hiring bias? Researchers from the University of Washington analyzed AI-powered screening and found that having a “Black-sounding” name could hurt a job applicant’s chances at landing an interview. The team tested three different AI models on over 500 resumes and found “white-sounding” names were preferred 85.1% of the time. There also seems to be a bias against those with female-associated names. “The use of AI tools for hiring procedures is already widespread, and it’s proliferating faster than we can regulate it,” lead author Kyra Wilson said. An estimated 99% of Fortune 500 companies already use AI assistance to make hiring decisions. (Study Finds)