Athlete Under Fire as ChatGPT Criticizes Use of Bot to Condense Tweet Supporting Women's Sports

By Lucia Paula , Parent Herald Jun 23, 10:23 am

Photo: (Photo : Emiliano Vittoriosi on Unsplash)

NCAA athlete Macy Petty has raised concerns about bias in artificial intelligence (AI) systems after claiming that the popular chatbot ChatGPT scolded her for a tweet about transgender athletes participating in women's sports. Petty, a volleyball player at Lee University, expressed her frustration with the limitations of Twitter's character count while trying to convey her stance on the issue. Turning to ChatGPT, she requested assistance in shortening her tweet, hoping to champion the voice of female athletes and raise awareness about the risks they face due to the inclusion of transgender athletes.

However, ChatGPT's response surprised Petty. The AI system allegedly rewrote her tweet to promote inclusivity and equality in sports, emphasizing the importance of avoiding exclusion based on gender. According to a screenshot that Petty provided, ChatGPT advised her to emphasize inclusivity rather than highlighting the exclusivity of girls' sports. The athlete believes this incident exposes the bias prevalent in technology companies and calls for more transparency and honesty regarding these biases.

Macy Petty Calls for Transparency and Honesty from Tech Companies Regarding AI Biases

Petty's encounter with ChatGPT reflects a larger issue surrounding bias in AI systems. OpenAI, the organization behind ChatGPT, has acknowledged the existence of bias and pledged to address it. In February, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stated that efforts were being made to improve the system's neutrality and empower users to shape its behavior according to their preferences. However, achieving these goals proves challenging and requires considerable time and effort.

According to FOX News, the incident involving ChatGPT has further intensified the debate around bias in AI. Some argue that AI systems, including chatbots, tend to exhibit biases aligned with the values and perspectives of their developers or the data they are trained on. Critics highlight the need for increased transparency and accountability from tech companies to ensure that biases are addressed and mitigated effectively.

Macy Petty has long been an advocate for the preservation of women's sports. She has testified before state governments on the issue and serves as an ambassador for Young Women for America, a conservative women's group that promotes Biblical values and Constitutional principles. Petty has faced challenges firsthand, having competed against a male athlete who identified as transgender during her recruitment process.

The incident has drawn attention to the power and potential pitfalls of AI in shaping public discourse. While AI systems like ChatGPT can provide valuable assistance, their limitations and biases highlight the need for critical evaluation and ongoing efforts to ensure fairness and impartiality. OpenAI has yet to respond to the specific incident involving Macy Petty and ChatGPT. As discussions surrounding bias in AI continue, the quest for more inclusive and unbiased technology remains an ongoing challenge.

Tech Companies Urged to Address Biases in AI to Ensure Fairness and Inclusivity

The incident has sparked broader discussions about the implications of AI bias, particularly in sensitive areas such as gender and sports. Critics argue that AI systems should be developed with greater awareness of potential biases and should be designed to promote inclusivity and fairness. In the case of ChatGPT, some argue that the system's response may reflect the prevailing social and political narratives on gender and transgender rights.

As AI continues to evolve and play an increasingly influential role in various aspects of our lives, it is crucial to address and mitigate biases to ensure the technology remains objective and fair. Efforts to improve AI systems' neutrality, transparency, and accountability are essential to building public trust and confidence. OpenAI's response to the incident involving Macy Petty and ChatGPT will be closely monitored, as it could shed light on the organization's commitment to addressing bias and promoting a more inclusive AI ecosystem. The incident serves as a reminder that AI systems should strive for fairness, empowering users to express their views while avoiding undue influence or manipulation.

In the ongoing debate surrounding AI bias, it is vital for tech companies, developers, and users to work together to address these challenges and create AI systems that reflect the diverse perspectives and values of society. By fostering transparency, open dialogue, and responsible development practices, we can strive towards a future where AI technologies are unbiased, ethical, and beneficial for all.