Why Viral AI Racism Should Matter to Your Fertility Journey More Than You Think
Have you seen those viral AI videos where Black women are depicted as primates? It’s shocking, unsettling, and frankly, deeply disturbing. This bizarre trend, detailed in a recent Wired article, reveals a darker side of artificial intelligence and the digital world that we often overlook — the persistence of racial bias coded into our technology. But here’s where it gets personal: as we embrace groundbreaking fertility tech and home insemination kits like those from MakeAMom, it’s crucial to think about the implications of such biases in reproductive health technology and access. Let me explain why this matters, even if you’re just starting your trying-to-conceive (TTC) journey at home.
The Viral Trend That's More Than Just a Bad Meme
Instagram creators have been racking up millions of views by using AI tools like Google’s Veo 3 to produce these dehumanizing videos of Black women. It’s not just offensive content; it’s a glaring symptom of the way AI systems can perpetuate and amplify racial stereotypes without accountability. And what’s downright alarming is how accessible this is — creators teach you how to make these videos for as little as $15.
Why should this matter if you’re focused on fertility? Because technology is deeply woven into reproductive health now. From apps tracking ovulation cycles to home insemination kits designed with sensitivity to different needs, tech promises empowerment. But if bias creeps into these tools, it can affect who feels welcome, safe, or even able to access fertility support.
When Technology Meets Fertility, Bias Can Have Real Consequences
Think about it: many fertility products and apps rely on algorithms or are designed with assumptions that don’t always fit everyone’s realities. For instance, did you know MakeAMom offers specialized insemination kits tailored for diverse needs — like the BabyMaker for people with vaginismus or the CryoBaby for frozen sperm samples? This inclusive approach is a breath of fresh air in an industry that hasn’t always been so accommodating.
But as AI and tech become more involved in fertility — whether via personalized health tracking, sperm analysis, or even AI-driven advice — unexamined bias could limit access for marginalized groups or propagate misinformation. The viral AI videos remind us that technology is only as good as the values programmed into it.
So, What Can We Do About It?
First off, awareness is everything. When we see harmful AI content go viral, it’s a wake-up call to question our tech more critically, especially in spaces as intimate as fertility. Next, choose products and companies that prioritize inclusivity and transparency. For example, MakeAMom’s home insemination kits not only provide cost-effective, reusable options but also offer discreet packaging and resources that acknowledge diverse fertility challenges — a real step toward tech that supports everyone’s journey.
Here are a few ways to be more tech-aware in your fertility journey:
- Research your fertility tools: Look for brands that cater to a range of needs and have transparent success rates.
- Prioritize inclusive technology: Support companies working to reduce bias.
- Stay informed: Follow updates on AI ethics and reproductive tech advancements.
- Speak up: Share your experiences and concerns about tech biases in fertility forums or communities.
Wrapping It Up: Your Fertility Journey Deserves Better Tech
Technology is the future of fertility care, but as the viral AI videos painfully show, it’s not immune to human prejudice. That means it’s on all of us — users, developers, and advocates — to demand better. Whether you’re using at-home insemination kits, fertility trackers, or hormone tests, choose technology that respects your identity and your journey.
If you want to explore home insemination with confidence, check out companies like MakeAMom that focus on inclusivity, affordability, and real results. Your journey deserves tech that empowers, not diminishes.
What do you think? Have you noticed biases in fertility tech or healthcare? Let’s talk about it in the comments below — because your voice can help change the future of reproductive health.
Read more about the viral AI issue here: Wired: AI Videos of Black Women Depicted as Primates Are Going Viral