Mitigating Societal Biases in Recommendation Algorithms through Fairness-Aware Reinforcement Learning and Demographic Parity Constraints
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66280/cis.v4i1.124Abstract
The rapid proliferation of algorithmic recommendation systems across digital infrastructures has fundamentally reshaped information consumption, labor market accessibility, and social networking. However, these systems often inadvertently codify and amplify historical societal biases, leading to systemic inequities that disadvantage marginalized demographic groups. This research paper explores a robust system-level framework for mitigating these biases by integrating fairness-aware reinforcement learning with explicit demographic parity constraints. Unlike traditional static supervised learning models, reinforcement learning offers a dynamic mechanism for long-term optimization; yet, without structural safeguards, these agents often prioritize short-term engagement metrics that exacerbate "filter bubbles" and disparate impact. By embedding demographic parity as a foundational architectural constraint within the reward function and policy optimization layers, we propose a socio-technical infrastructure that balances predictive accuracy with distributive justice. The study provides an exhaustive analysis of the structural trade-offs between system utility and ethical governance, examining the deployment of these models within large-scale platforms. Furthermore, the paper discusses the policy implications of algorithmic fairness, emphasizing the need for transparent auditing and sustainable deployment strategies that account for the evolving nature of societal norms. Our findings suggest that while technical constraints are essential, they must be coupled with interdisciplinary governance to ensure that AI-driven infrastructures remain resilient, robust, and aligned with the public interest.
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