# Human-Centric NLP or AI-Centric Illusion?: A Critical Investigation

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2412.10939 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2412.10939/

## Key facts

- No citing papers in the map yet (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 8 of its 24 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 14 Dec 2024.

## Builds on (most cited first, 8 of 8)

- [Language Models are Few-Shot Learners](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2005.14165/) (2020)
- [Energy and Policy Considerations for Deep Learning in NLP](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1906.02243/) (2019)
- [Beyond Accuracy: Behavioral Testing of NLP models with CheckList](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2005.04118/) (2020)
- [A Just and Comprehensive Strategy for Using NLP to Address Online Abuse](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1906.01738/) (2019)
- [Putting Humans in the Natural Language Processing Loop: A Survey](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2103.04044/) (2021)
- [Generating Image Descriptions via Sequential Cross-Modal Alignment Guided by Human Gaze](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2011.04592/) (2020)
- [NLP for Maternal Healthcare: Perspectives and Guiding Principles in the Age of LLMs](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2312.11803/) (2023)
- [Human-Centric Research for NLP: Towards a Definition and Guiding Questions](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2207.04447/) (2022)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Human-Centric NLP often claims to prioritise human needs and values, yet many implementations reveal an underlying AI-centric focus. Through an analysis of case studies in language modelling, behavioural testing, and multi-modal alignment, this study identifies a significant gap between the ideas of human-centricity and actual practices. Key issues include misalignment with human-centred design principles, the reduction of human factors to mere benchmarks, and insufficient consideration of real-world impacts. The discussion explores whether Human-Centric NLP embodies true human-centred design, emphasising the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and ethical considerations. The paper advocates for a redefinition of Human-Centric NLP, urging a broader focus on real-world utility and societal implications to ensure that language technologies genuinely serve and empower users.