3 Impacts Of AI On Ageism

The impact of AI on ageism continues to develop and grow as AI technology evolves and the way the public and companies use it changes. Every day we see new implications of AI on the way we live.

Here are some ways AI is impacting ageism in our society right now:

1. AI contributing to ageism in hiring

AI hiring tools can increase ageism by analyzing data patterns that potentially favor younger candidates. For example, algorithms trained on historical hiring data may undervalue older workers’ experience if past hires skewed young, or Applicant Tracking Systems can be used by companies to identify candidates that meet certain requirements or include specific keywords on their resume, and some of the Applicant Tracking Systems are trained with unconscious bias that accelerates ageism in hiring. To counter this, companies can audit used AI for bias, use age-neutral criteria, and include diverse age groups in training and auditing.

2. AI in healthcare discriminating against older individuals

AI in healthcare can discriminate through algorithms or training data, for example an AI might misinterpret symptoms in older patients if trained on data skewed toward younger patients. This can lead to misdiagnoses or unequal treatment access. Solutions include developing inclusive datasets and involving an array of specialists in the AI training.

3. AI in advertising reinforcing ageist stereotypes

AI-driven advertising often targets younger demographics, using algorithms that associate certain products or behaviors with youth, sidelining older consumers. For example, ad platforms may limit exposure to older users based on assumed preferences, reinforcing stereotypes like “older people aren’t tech-savvy.” Countermeasures include designing algorithms to prioritize diverse age representation and auditing ad campaigns for inclusivity.

As AI continues to evolve we will continue to see new impacts of the technology on ageism in society, the workplace, healthcare, and beyond.