Gender Disparity in Artificial Intelligence(AI) Adoption: Why Are Women Lagging Behind Men?

  Harriet Kelsall is among many women who have reservations about using the popular artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, ChatGPT. Kelsall tested the chatbot and observed errors in its responses. Her concerns go beyond accuracy; she worries about people using ChatGPT-generated content as their own and committing plagiarism. The reluctance to adopt AI appears more common among women than men. A survey revealed that 54% of men use AI in their professional or personal lives, compared to only 35% of women.

London-based business coach Michelle Leivars wishes to retain her unique voice and personality in her work. Hayley Bystram, the founder of matchmaking agency Bowes-Lyon Partnership, believes AI could depersonalize the process and detract from the soul of her work. Alexandra Coward, a business strategist, views using AI for content generation as akin to “heavy photoshopping” and is concerned about the trend of creating idealized digital versions of oneself.

Artificial intelligence (AI) expert Jodie Cook suggests that deeper factors contribute to the AI gender gap, pointing out that STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields have traditionally been male-dominated. Cook argues that as AI skills are rooted in STEM disciplines, women may feel less confident using AI tools due to a lack of technical proficiency.

Psychologist Lee Chambers adds that women may face a “confidence gap,” hesitating to use AI until they feel highly competent in doing so. Men, on the other hand, are more inclined to explore new technologies with less prior competence. Chambers also highlights the risk that women might face additional scrutiny of their competence if they use AI tools, potentially reinforcing existing biases. The concerns and hesitations expressed by women professionals underscore the need for greater inclusivity and confidence-building in AI adoption.

_{Repurposed article originally published in BBC.com}