
In today’s technology-driven world, the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithmic decision-making is impossible to overlook. As advancements in these fields continue to accelerate, Assistant Professor Manish Raghavan stands out as a guiding light, dedicated to leveraging computational methods to tackle society’s most pressing challenges. Holding the title of Drew Houston Career Development Professor at MIT Sloan School of Management and serving as a principal investigator at the Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems (LIDS), Raghavan blends his expertise in computer science and management to pioneer innovative approaches for addressing persistent social issues.
“My ultimate goal is for my research to contribute to better solutions for long-standing societal problems,” Raghavan shares. His interdisciplinary work at MIT seeks to mitigate the risks of AI while unlocking its potential to tackle critical issues like bias in hiring, equitable healthcare access, and the influence of online platforms on user behaviour.
Addressing Bias in Hiring
A key focus of Raghavan’s research lies in the role of AI in hiring processes. Historically, hiring practices have often perpetuated discrimination and inequities. While AI-based tools frequently rely on historical data that may reflect such biases, Raghavan views this as an opportunity for improvement rather than a roadblock.
“Discrimination has always been challenging to measure,” he explains. “With AI systems, it can sometimes be easier to observe and measure biases than with human decision-makers. One aim of my research is to leverage this transparency to identify and rectify problematic system behaviour.” By addressing bias within AI systems, Raghavan envisions a future where technology not only avoids repeating past injustices but actively promotes fairness and inclusion.
Enhancing Healthcare Decision-Making
Raghavan’s interest in combining computational tools with human expertise shines through in his research on medical decision-making. For example, he has studied the Glasgow-Blatchford Score (GBS), an algorithm used to triage patients with gastrointestinal bleeding. While the GBS often delivers highly accurate results, his work highlights instances where physician expertise is indispensable.
“On average, the GBS performs as well as human decision-makers. But there are specific cases where the GBS might fail, and doctors’ insights are likely to be correct,” he notes. By integrating AI with expert input, Raghavan aims to create systems that marry computational precision with human judgment, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.
Understanding the Influence of Online Platforms
In the modern digital landscape, social media platforms shape user experiences and broader societal narratives. Raghavan’s research has explored how algorithms on these platforms tend to prioritize users’ immediate preferences—comparable to indulging in a bag of potato chips—while often disregarding their long-term satisfaction. This approach, he explains, can leave users feeling unfulfilled or dissatisfied over time.
To address this issue, Raghavan and his team developed a model that balances users’ short-term desires with their long-term well-being. Their work, which won the Exemplary Applied Modelling Track Paper Award at the 2022 Association for Computing Machinery Conference on Economics and Computation, offers practical recommendations for designing healthier digital experiences.
“Long-term satisfaction matters, even from a business perspective,” Raghavan points out. By demonstrating that user happiness and corporate goals can align, he hopes to inspire platform designers to prioritize well-being alongside engagement.
Charting a Path in Computational Research
Raghavan’s journey into computational research was shaped by a combination of family influence and personal passion. Growing up in California’s Silicon Valley with parents who were computer scientists, he initially dreamed of becoming a doctor. However, his love for math and computing ultimately led him to pursue computer science, culminating in a PhD from Cornell University. His dissertation, “The Societal Impacts of Algorithmic Decision-Making,” became the foundation for his award-winning work, earning him accolades like the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship and the Microsoft Research PhD Fellowship.
When tackling complex research problems, Raghavan believes in the value of patience and fresh perspectives. “Sometimes it helps to let tough problems sit in the back of your mind. Things often seem clearer the next day,” he advises.
Striking a Work-Life Balance
Beyond academia, Raghavan finds balance by coaching the Harvard Men’s Soccer Club. This role provides a welcome break from his professional commitments. “Knowing I have soccer practice in the evening keeps me on track during the day, and it gives me something to look forward to,” he says. By nurturing his personal passions alongside his professional ones, he maintains perspective and stays motivated.
Shaping the Future of AI
As Raghavan continues to push the boundaries of AI’s capabilities, he remains optimistic about the field’s potential to deepen our understanding of human behavior. “I hope we can use AI to gain better insights into ourselves,” he says, envisioning a future where technology sheds light on the complexities of human interactions and societal dynamics.
Through his groundbreaking research and commitment to ethical AI, Manish Raghavan exemplifies how technology can drive positive change. By addressing biases, improving healthcare, and fostering healthier digital experiences, his work paves the way for a future where algorithms not only enhance efficiency but also contribute to a fairer and more compassionate society.
Dr. Prahlada N.B
MBBS (JJMMC), MS (PGIMER, Chandigarh).
MBA in Healthcare & Hospital Management (BITS, Pilani),
Postgraduate Certificate in Technology Leadership and Innovation (MIT, USA)
Executive Programme in Strategic Management (IIM, Lucknow)
Senior Management Programme in Healthcare Management (IIM, Kozhikode)
Advanced Certificate in AI for Digital Health and Imaging Program (IISc, Bengaluru).
Senior Professor and former Head,
Department of ENT-Head & Neck Surgery, Skull Base Surgery, Cochlear Implant Surgery.
Basaveshwara Medical College & Hospital, Chitradurga, Karnataka, India.
My Vision: I don’t want to be a genius. I want to be a person with a bundle of experience.
My Mission: Help others achieve their life’s objectives in my presence or absence!
My Values: Creating value for others.
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