Facebook Algorithm Shows Gender Bias in Job Ads, Study Finds

Facebook disproportionately shows certain types of job ads to men and women, raising questions about efforts to eliminate bias in its algorithms, according to University of Southern California (USC) researchers.

Facebook systems were more likely to present ads to users if their gender identity mirrored the concentration of that gender in a specific position or industry.

This bias extended through all tiers of jobs, suggesting "a platform whose algorithm learns and perpetuates the existing difference in employee demographics."

The study highlights Facebook's problems in understanding and addressing the societal effects of its content-recommendation systems.

USC's Aleksandra Korolova said she was surprised at the company's failure to remedy the situation, because "they've known about this for years."

From The Wall Street Journal
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