In today’s world, algorithms are everywhere. They run our social media feeds, help us find the quickest route home, and protect our online banking. But many people see them in a negative light, thinking they’re biased or dangerous. That’s why mathematician Clara Grima wrote a new book to change that view and highlight the good side of algorithms.

Understanding the Good and the Bad of Algorithms

Algorithms are just sets of instructions. They’re as simple as adding or subtracting. But in the digital age, the word “algorithm” has taken on a new meaning. It’s become associated with social media recommendations, music playlists, and other online features. Grima points out that algorithms themselves aren’t good or bad—how we use them makes all the difference.

She gives several examples of beautiful algorithms that have practical uses. The Fast Fourier Transform, or FFT, is one. It helps improve images and sound, optimize wireless networks, and assist in medical and scientific measurements. Google’s search algorithm is another marvel. With simple math, it ranks the most relevant results so we can find what we need quickly. Even algorithms that calculate the shortest paths are vital—they help in logistics and in delivering humanitarian aid. And cryptographic algorithms keep our online banking safe. These are all examples of how algorithms can be both elegant and incredibly useful.

The Importance of Math Talent and Diversity

One big challenge today is attracting more people to study mathematics. But misconceptions about algorithms contribute to math anxiety, especially among children. When kids think math is scary or malevolent, they’re less likely to pursue careers in STEM. This problem continues into high school and college, which means fewer qualified professionals in tech and science fields.

Grima stresses that math is the foundation of all science and technology. If we want more diverse talent, especially more women, we need to change the narrative. She notes that while more women studied math in Spain in the mid-1980s, that trend reversed over the years. Today, many women are underrepresented in math and computer science, which risks creating biased algorithms. She shares her own experience as a mother, noticing how different needs and environments influence how we build accessible spaces. It’s essential that the teams designing algorithms are diverse, so these tools serve everyone fairly.

Controlling Algorithms with More Algorithms

While algorithms are useful, they can also be misused or biased. Grima suggests a solution: use more algorithms to supervise existing ones. Instead of “controlling,” she prefers the term “supervising,” emphasizing that these oversight algorithms should work alongside the original ones.

This isn’t just a technical issue; it’s also about ethics. Grima compares it to setting rules for the press—creating standards for what’s acceptable. She advocates for a global ethical framework to guide how algorithms are designed and used, minimizing risks and ensuring fairness. She believes disciplines like philosophy, linguistics, and history are crucial here. They help us think about how we, as humans, can manage these powerful tools responsibly.

Grima emphasizes that humans have thrived because of empathy and cooperation. As machines take on more tasks, it’s vital we remember what makes us human—our ability to think, discuss, and care for one another. Only then can we ensure that technology benefits everyone and doesn’t reinforce biases or inequalities.

Overall, Grima’s message is clear: algorithms aren’t inherently bad. They’re tools that, if used wisely, can be incredibly beneficial. The key is to foster diversity, ethics, and understanding so these tools serve all of us fairly and well.

Inspired by

• https://www.computerworld.com/article/4082109/clara-grima-mathematician-we-are-going-to-do-what-machines-cannot-think-and-sit-and-talk-like-humans.html

Sources

• gmpg.org
• wikipedia.org
• rsme.es
• podigee.com
• podigee.com