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Google’s Jigsaw Unit Uses AI for Civic Engagement in Bowling Green
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Initiative aims to enhance community deliberation and address societal challenges.
While major corporations explore applications of artificial intelligence across various sectors, tech giants like Microsoft, Apple, Openai and Google compete to integrate AI solutions into corporate structures, Google’s tech incubator, Jigsaw,quietly advances AI for civic good.
Established in 2011, Jigsaw examines the effects of technology and develops tools to counter online harassment, protect free speech, and improve public discourse. The rise of AI products has amplified the importance of this mission.
Jigsaw’s AI-driven tools, including Perspective API and Sensemaker, are used by organizations such as The New York Times, OpenWeb, Reddit, local governments, and universities.
“We’re helping make these divided communities that we live in discuss contested topics together in a way that’s civil, with the hopes that a lot more of us will stop lurking and start participating,” said Beth Goldberg, Jigsaw’s head of research and development, at C2 Montreal.
“What Could BG Be?” Initiative
In February, Jigsaw introduced sensemaker to Bowling Green,kentucky,to assist local leaders in gathering insights from residents amidst projections of the town’s population doubling within 25 years.
Spencer Baim, Jigsaw’s head of brand, creative, and marketing, stated, “What would happen if our technology could really help leaders listen to what their community wanted? What if our tech allowed thousands of people to participate in an ongoing conversation about their future?”
“The local leaders embraced the AI…96% of [them said] that this AI-generated report made it easier for them to understand and accurately represent their community’s needs.”
The tech incubator collaborated with The Computational Democracy Project, Innovation Engine, and Bowling Green officials to launch “What Could BG Be?,” an online forum for residents to share ideas about the future.
This initiative expanded upon the BG 2050 Project, a long-term vision led by Innovation Engine for Warren County. It also served as a marketing effort to boost participation.
What Could BG Be? gathered input from over 7,800 residents, yielding over one million ideas about the county’s future. Sensemaker then processed this data, highlighting key areas such as infrastructure, transportation, arts, culture, and economic development.
“The local leaders embraced the AI,” said Goldberg. “They trusted this process as they had co-designed it with us. 96% of [them said] that this AI-generated report made it easier for them to understand and accurately represent their community’s needs.”
Jigsaw plans to build its brand and promote its tools to further clarify AI’s potential in civic applications.
Frequently asked Questions
What is Jigsaw’s primary goal?
Jigsaw aims to study the impact of emerging technologies and develop tools to mitigate harmful effects, such as online harassment, while promoting free speech and civic deliberation.
how does Sensemaker help local leaders?
Sensemaker simplifies and categorizes large amounts of community input,making it easier for leaders to understand and address the needs of their constituents.
What were the main areas of advancement identified in Bowling Green?
The “What Could BG Be?” initiative highlighted the need for improvements in infrastructure, transportation, arts and culture, and economic development.
