As artificial intelligence tools grow more intelligent, they also must become wiser in addressing the varied needs of different populations. John Pasmore, a veteran tech founder, eagerly tested ChatGPT upon its release but soon noticed shortcomings in how it engaged with topics close to him as a Black person.
Like most AI systems, ChatGPT derived answers from a pool of web data that reflects certain Western viewpoints. When queried about influential artists or the Underground Railroad, it offered a perspective lacking awareness of non-European histories and experiences. To remedy this, Pasmore launched Latimer.AI, crafting it with sources nuanced to Black and brown narratives.
Others soon followed suit. Erin Reddick introduced ChatBlackGPT, focused on consultations important to those groups. Tamar Huggins established Spark Plug to translate learning materials into African American Vernacular English. These innovators understood that generalized algorithms fail to encapsulate intricacies ingrained through tradition rather than published works.
By modeling conversations after community-driven intel, their inventions deliver interactions far more relatable than defaults generating from broad internet scraping. Reddick works closely with target users and institutions like historically Black colleges to ensure guidance enlightened, not just technically competent. Pasmore finds schools especially receptive clients as students increasingly rely on AI for assignments.
