Lauren Rhue researches the fast-paced world of artificial intelligence and machine learning technology. But she wants everyone in it to slow down. Rhue, an assistant professor of information systems at the University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business, recently audited emotion recognition technology within three facial recognition services: Amazon Rekognition, Face and Microsoft. Her research revealed what Rhue called "really stark" racial disparities. Amazon Rekognition is offered for use to other companies.

Ideas about what constitutes "beauty" are complex, subjective, and by no means limited to physical appearances. Elusive though it is, everyone wants more of it. That means big business and increasingly, people harnessing algorithms to create their ideal selves in the digital and, sometimes, physical worlds. In this episode, we explore the popularity of beauty filters, and sit down with someone who's convinced his software will show you just how to nip and tuck your way to a better life. This episode was reported by Tate Ryan-Mosley, and produced by Jennifer Strong, Emma Cillekens, Karen Hao and Anthony Green. Strong: Beauty has always been one of society's greatest obsessions. And for as long as we've worshipped it… we've also found ways to change and enhance it. From makeup and clothes... to airbrushing photos… or a surgical nip and tuck. Strong: You may not realize it...but this technology is right at your fingertips.