Human in the Loop Definition

Humans are increasingly working with complex AI algorithms to make decisions. As AI becomes more integrated into our daily lives, it's crucial to understand where and how humans should be involved in AI decision making processes.

AI driven cars, for example, may be excellent at repetitive tasks, such as following curves on a highway. However, they struggle with improvising when encountering unidentifiable debris in the road. This highlights the need for human involvement in certain decision making processes.

The term "human in the loop" refers to a system where a person is involved in a specific decision making process alongside an algorithm. This definition can be misleading, as it suggests that humans are only involved in isolated instances. In reality, humans are involved in every aspect of automated decision making, so there is no such thing as a completely independent machine.

Humans influence the design of AI systems. They select the data used to train AI systems and provide the inputs. Humans determine the questions that the AI system answers and influence the outcomes of AI decisions. Additionally, humans evaluate the decision making processes after the fact.

In conclusion, while AI has the potential to revolutionize many industries, it's essential to recognize the critical role that humans play in AI decision making processes. By understanding and embracing this partnership, we can ensure that AI is used responsibly and ethically.

[1] R. Crootof, M. Kaminski, and W. Price II, “Humans in the Loop,” Vanderbilt Law Review, vol. 76, no. 2, p. 429, Mar. 2023, [Online]. Available: https://scholarship.law.vanderbilt.edu/vlr/vol76/iss2/2