AI's Innate Bias Against Animals (nautil.us)

Recent discussions have highlighted an alarming trend in artificial intelligence (AI)—specifically, how large language models (LLMs) inherit biases that may lead to the marginalization of non-human animals. While advancements in AI often focus on mitigating human-centric biases, the ethical treatment of animals remains largely unaddressed. Many current LLMs, including GPT-4 and Claude, have demonstrated a lack of sensitivity toward serious animal welfare issues, often defaulting to perspectives that classify animals merely as property instead of sentient beings deserving of ethical consideration. The implications for the AI/ML community are profound. As AI technologies permeate sectors such as agriculture and food production, their inherent biases could either perpetuate or challenge existing norms surrounding animal treatment. For instance, AI applications in factory farming can optimize production but may simultaneously exacerbate suffering by promoting overcrowded living conditions. Encouragingly, some recent iterations of LLMs have begun to reflect better ethical awareness regarding animal welfare, suggesting a gradual shift in how AI can contribute positively to the dialogue surrounding non-human entities. However, this change necessitates an ongoing commitment from AI developers and policymakers to incorporate animal welfare considerations into AI frameworks, potentially reshaping not only human-animal interactions but also the broader ethical landscape of technology as it evolves.