Greg Scott (Professor, Department of Sociology) presented “Using Generative AI to Understand the Social Construction of Identity” at the AI in Teaching Symposium, May 31, 2024.

Professor Scott uses AI to illustrate core sociological concepts, such as the social construction of reality and identity. He argues that these concepts, typically covered over several weeks, can be effectively conveyed using AI exercises in the classroom.

The presentation highlights three key exercises:

1. Exploring Identity as a Construct: Students engage in conversations with AI bots to examine how both human and AI identities are socially constructed. This exercise prompts them to consider shared traits and amplified differences between humans and bots, prompting reflection on potential homogenization of human thought and behavior.
2. Unveiling the Social Construction of Taste: Students are interviewed by AI bots about their preferences, revealing the influence of social class on their seemingly individualistic tastes. This exercise utilizes Pierre Bourdieu‘s concept of habitus to show how institutions shape individual preferences and dispositions.
3. Analyzing Gender as Performance: Students examine the AI-generated show “Nothing Forever,” a procedurally animated mock Seinfeld series, to identify and deconstruct stereotypical gender representations embedded within the AI’s scripts. This exercise underscores the potential for bias in large language models and encourages students to critically evaluate and rewrite these narratives.

Beyond these exercises, Scott emphasizes the importance of addressing ethical considerations related to AI in the classroom. This involves:

• Comparing student writing with AI-generated text to identify unique voices and potential plagiarism concerns.
• Discussing the ethical implications of inherent biases and prejudices present in AI training data.
• Drawing parallels between AI training and human socialization to explore ethical considerations in both processes.

Scott advocates for an open dialogue about AI usage in the classroom. He encourages the integration of AI tools in teaching while critically examining the ethical implications of these technologies. This approach not only enhances students’ understanding of sociological concepts but also equips them with the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate an increasingly AI-driven world.