Encoding Realities, Decoding Power: Exploring New Formations of Gender, Race, and Sexuality within Artificial Identities
We invite you to submit a 200-word abstract to Encoding Realities, Decoding Power: Exploring New Formations of Gender, Race, and Sexuality within Artificial Identities, a virtual mini-conference hosted by the University of Texas at Austin that explores the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and identity within digital landscapes.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies are increasingly shaping various aspects of life, becoming one of the most transformative forces of our time (Smuha, 2021). Rather than a singular entity, AI encompasses numerous systems, each governed by distinct regulations and ethical concerns (Smuha, 2021). The rapid development of AI is driven by vast data sets and algorithmic processing power, not necessarily groundbreaking innovations in the algorithms themselves (Bryson, 2020). However, a pressing concern remains around “runaway feedback loops,” where AI systems trained on biased data perpetuate and amplify these biases (Gebru, 2020).
While early digital spaces were imagined as identity-neutral, AI now operates within frameworks that can reinforce race, gender, and sexuality signifiers, disrupting, renegotiating, and often reinforcing systems of power and oppression (Hall, 2021; Wilcox, 2017; Noble, 2018). This event brings together scholars from the humanities, social sciences, and computer science to examine how generative AI affects marginalized communities, exploring how notions of race, gender, and power are reshaped by these “artificial identities.” How do AI-driven loops impact identity circulation in hyperreal, digital spaces?
This event serves as a primer to spark discussion and lay the groundwork for ongoing research and scholarship on AI, identity, and societal impact.
Submission Timeline:
- Abstract Due Date: Sunday, December 1st
- Notification of Acceptance: Friday, December 6th
- Virtual Event: Thursday, February 27th
Please submit your abstract (200 words max) at: https://utexas.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9WQFQ0ZfpceTYpg. We welcome submissions from a diverse range of scholars, including student authors, early-career researchers, and senior faculty. All voices are encouraged to contribute, as we aim to foster a rich and inclusive dialogue around these important topics.
For any questions, please contact knsharp@utexas.edu.
This event is supported by Good Systems, a UT Grand Challenge initiative dedicated to developing AI-based technologies that align with socially accepted values and prioritize ethical, human-centered design. For more information, visit Good Systems.
We look forward to your submissions and to welcoming you to this foundational conversation on AI and identity.