AI can predict your future salary based on your photo, boffins claim (www.theregister.com)

A recent study claims that AI can predict future salary trajectories based on facial images by inferring personality traits, drawing on the facial data of over 96,000 MBA graduates from LinkedIn. The researchers utilized a machine learning algorithm originally developed to assess the Big Five personality traits—Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism—demonstrating that these inferred traits significantly correlate with labor market outcomes such as starting salary and career progression. While the authors recognize the ethical issues surrounding such predictive capabilities, they highlight that personality assessments are increasingly utilized in hiring processes, indicating an urgent need for academic scrutiny and potential regulatory discussions. The implications of this research extend to the AI/ML community and HR practices, where the intersection of technology and bias becomes critical. The study suggests that AI-driven personality evaluations could inadvertently perpetuate discrimination, underscoring the importance of transparency and ethical considerations in AI applications. Co-author Marina Niessner emphasizes that while the use of persona-based algorithms in hiring may be tempting, an informed regulatory framework is essential to safeguard against biases inherent in both AI and human decision-making processes.