Benjamin, Ruha

1978-present · Contribution: 2013-present

Sociologist & Author (Science, Technology & Society)

Coined the concept of the “New Jim Code” in her 2019 book Race After Technology, a framework for understanding how supposedly neutral algorithms and AI systems encode and amplify racial bias

AI & Social Media — collage image
AI & Social Media

Portraits are AI-generated interpretations, not photographs.

Quick facts

Born
1978
Active since
2013
Category
AI & Social Media
Best known for
“New Jim Code”Race After TechnologyJust Data Lab

Impact on the world

Benjamin gave researchers, journalists, and the public a durable vocabulary for understanding algorithmic bias just as AI systems began shaping daily life. Her framework became one of the most widely cited critiques of how technology can reproduce racial hierarchies.

Sources

  1. Princeton Department of African American Studies

1 more sources and references are available to members.