Online Archive of University of Virginia Scholarship
Generative Artificial Intelligence: The Critical Role of Data on AI Outputs; An Analysis of Sociotechnical Networks Surrounding the Boeing 737 MAX Disaster60 views
Author
Chen, Henry, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Virginia
Advisors
Webb-Destefano, Kathryn, EN-Engineering and Society, University of Virginia
Fitzgerald, Gerard, EN-Engineering and Society, University of Virginia
Vrugtman, Rosanne, EN-Comp Science Dept, University of Virginia
Abstract
In my technical project, I analyzed how the quality of training data influences the performance and reliability of generative AI systems. I conducted a meta-study with existing research, finding that poor-quality, biased, or synthetic data can harm AI outputs, causing hallucinations and loss of diversity. In my STS research paper, I examined how the interactions between human and non-human actors in the Boeing disaster led to catastrophic failures when important connections weakened and eventually broke down. Although both papers focus on different industries, they explore how systems fail when critical inputs are faulty. In my technical project, data quality served as the input that determined the performance of the system. In my STS project, the quality of actor interactions acted as inputs into the aviation safety network. In both cases, failures were not the result of a single malfunction, but the gradual weakening of a system through overlooked vulnerabilities. Both projects emphasize the need for attention to system inputs to avoid future issues.
Degree
BS (Bachelor of Science)
Keywords
Generative AI; Boeing; Computer Science
Notes
School of Engineering and Applied Science
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Technical Advisor: Rosanne Vrugtman
STS Advisor: Kathryn Webb-Destefano, Gerard Fitzgerald
Technical Team Members: Henry Chen
Language
English
Rights
All rights reserved (no additional license for public reuse)
Chen, Henry. Generative Artificial Intelligence: The Critical Role of Data on AI Outputs; An Analysis of Sociotechnical Networks Surrounding the Boeing 737 MAX Disaster. University of Virginia, School of Engineering and Applied Science, BS (Bachelor of Science), 2025-05-09, https://doi.org/10.18130/pcx7-fb40.
