# Reconfiguring Participatory Design to Resist AI Realism

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2406.03245 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2406.03245/

## Key facts

- Cited by 2 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 7 of its 52 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 5 Jun 2024.

## Builds on (most cited first, 7 of 7)

- [Datasheets for Datasets](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1803.09010/) (2018)
- [Model Cards for Model Reporting](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1810.03993/) (2018)
- [Closing the AI Accountability Gap: Defining an End-to-End Framework for Internal Algorithmic Auditing](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2001.00973/) (2020)
- [Data Cards: Purposeful and Transparent Dataset Documentation for Responsible AI](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2204.01075/) (2022)
- [Power to the People? Opportunities and Challenges for Participatory AI](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2209.07572/) (2022)
- [The Participatory Turn in AI Design: Theoretical Foundations and the Current State of Practice](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2310.00907/) (2023)
- [Whose AI Dream? In search of the aspiration in data annotation](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2203.10748/) (2022)

## Built on by (most cited first, 2 of 2)

- [Acceptable Use Policies for Foundation Models](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2409.09041/) (2024)
- [Envisioning Possibilities and Challenges of AI for Personalized Cancer Care](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2408.10108/) (2024)

## Abstract (arXiv)

The growing trend of artificial intelligence (AI) as a solution to social and technical problems reinforces AI Realism -- the belief that AI is an inevitable and natural order. In response, this paper argues that participatory design (PD), with its focus on democratic values and processes, can play a role in questioning and resisting AI Realism. I examine three concerning aspects of AI Realism: the facade of democratization that lacks true empowerment, demands for human adaptability in contrast to AI systems' inflexibility, and the obfuscation of essential human labor enabling the AI system. I propose resisting AI Realism by reconfiguring PD to continue engaging with value-centered visions, increasing its exploration of non-AI alternatives, and making the essential human labor underpinning AI systems visible. I position PD as a means to generate friction against AI Realism and open space for alternative futures centered on human needs and values.