Artificial intelligence and social inequalities: a sociological approach

Abstract

In recent decades, artificial intelligence has emerged as a revolutionary technology capable of transforming society, improving efficiency and opening new opportunities. However, the growing adoption of digital systems raises significant concerns about the risk of activating or amplifying social inequalities. This work aims to explore how AI influences existing inequalities and creates new ones, focusing on two main aspects: unequal access to new technologies and algorithmic biases. On the one hand, limited digital access can exclude entire social groups from the benefits of technological innovation; on the other hand, decisional algorithms can perpetuate and amplify existing biases. Through the conduction of interviews with key stakeholders, this study offers an in-depth perspective on the challenges and opportunities associated with the growing digitalization. This study aims to provide the basis for promoting greater awareness and concrete social policies to ensure that AI becomes a tool for social inclusion, not exclusion.