A Mathematical Model of the Hidden Feedback Loop Effect in Machine Learning Systems
Widespread deployment of societal-scale machine learning systems necessitates a thorough understanding of the resulting long-term effects these systems have on their environment, including loss of trustworthiness, bias amplification, and violation of AI safety requirements. We introduce a repeated learning process to jointly describe several phenomena attributed to unintended hidden feedback loops, such as error amplification, induced concept drift, echo chambers and others. The process comprises the entire cycle of obtaining the data, training the predictive model, and delivering predictions to end-users within a single mathematical model. A distinctive feature of such repeated learning setting is that the state of the environment becomes causally dependent on the learner itself over time, thus violating the usual assumptions about the data distribution. We present a novel dynamical systems model of the repeated learning process and prove the limiting set of probability distributions for positive and negative feedback loop modes of the system operation. We conduct a series of computational experiments using an exemplary supervised learning problem on two synthetic data sets. The results of the experiments correspond to the theoretical predictions derived from the dynamical model. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach for studying the repeated learning processes in machine learning systems and open a range of opportunities for further research in the area.
Code (1)
Methods 이 논문이 사용한 방법론
Similar Papers 제목 키워드 기반
Existence conditions for hidden feedback loops in online recommender systems
We explore a hidden feedback loops effect in online recommender systems. Feedback loops result in degradation of online multi-armed bandit (MAB) recommendations to a small subset and loss of coverage and novelty. We stud…
Recommendation SystemsAnalysis of hidden feedback loops in continuous machine learning systems
In this concept paper, we discuss intricacies of specifying and verifying the quality of continuous and lifelong learning artificial intelligence systems as they interact with and influence their environment causing a so…
BIG-bench Machine LearningLifelong learningFrom Euler to AI: Unifying Formulas for Mathematical Constants
The constant $\pi$ has fascinated scholars throughout the centuries, inspiring numerous formulas for its evaluation, such as infinite sums and continued fractions. Despite their individual significance, many of the under…
MathHidden Technical Debt in Machine Learning Systems
Machine learning offers a fantastically powerful toolkit for building useful complexprediction systems quickly. This paper argues it is dangerous to think ofthese quick wins as coming for free. Using the software enginee…
BIG-bench Machine LearningSeller-Side Experiments under Interference Induced by Feedback Loops in Two-Sided Platforms
Two-sided platforms are central to modern commerce and content sharing and often utilize A/B testing for developing new features. While user-side experiments are common, seller-side experiments become crucial for specifi…
counterfactual