Ethical AI: Integrating A Friend, Or Unleashing A Foe
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If you have been following our AI Series, we have Demystified AI having defined key terms like machine learning and automation, and explored AI In Action through its real-world everyday applications like fitness trackers and tailored content suggestions.
AI technology shows incredible promise, but we must now ask, is it friend or foe? Have we been perceiving our collaboration through rose colored glasses; or, have we just begun to scratch the surface of its benefits? As we conclude our exploration, let’s delve into the ethical conversation around AI and carve a path forward.
PREDICTING THE FUTURE OF AI
Predicting the exact trajectory of AI is challenging, but one thing is certain - we are entering a period of AI Integration. AI is becoming deeply integrated into our lives, from autonomous vehicles and smart homes, to the watch around your wrist and the phone in your pocket. As more AI products get pushed to market, they become more readily adopted by the public, and with this our dependence on AI increases. In a sense, our devices are becoming extensions of our bodies. This is where many turn and run from AI! “This sounds like science fiction, and I want no part!”
Our language around this topic is frequently sensationalized. We turn to science fiction buzzwords and dystopian Hollywood films when thinking of Artificial Intelligence. These fantasies (while fun) don’t accurately represent the vast majority of our integrations with AI - most of which are relatively mundane. Take for example, spell chuck, spill check, … spell check! AI is not about vending machines becoming sentient and waging war, it's about ensuring our emails are grammatically sound. No need to hit the panic button!
Are we reliant on AI, dependent on it, useless without it? Or are we enhanced when using AI, unlocking a deeper capacity for production and liberating time for creative thought and ideation? I would hedge on the latter.
ETHICAL DILEMMAS IN AI
While the future of AI is promising, that doesn’t mean there aren’t concerns.
Bias in Algorithms: AI algorithms are trained on datasets to “learn” how to detect patterns and extract insights. When we pass the AI data that has inherent biases present, it can lead to unfair or discriminatory conclusions, and Content Writer George Denison details a few examples of this in one of his recent articles for Prolific. Addressing algorithmic bias is a pressing concern. We need to be careful when designing our tech, because a weak design will result in damaging outcomes. Fortunately, the collective public understanding around these concerns is increasing, and our AI tools are being held to increasingly more demanding standards.
Privacy Concerns: Machine learning models comb through copious amounts of data, and in some cases require large datasets. Our data has become the life-blood of the digital world. This is another red flag that can send people running from AI - and this one may be warranted. There is a real privacy concern surrounding the collection and use of personal data. Any company or software that collects user data needs to be mindful of the sensitivity surrounding this. Striking a balance between innovation and data protection is essential.
AI in Education: Should students be allowed to make use of artificial intelligence tools to “enhance” their work? Are educators sufficiently adept at spotting unethical uses of AI tools? I had researched this topic as part of my master’s studies in educational technology. I encourage educators and concerned parents to venture down this research site rabbit hole The Ethics of AI in Education and see what my peers and I deduced. Educators and parents alike have a responsibility to understand how technology could be used in the classroom.
THE ROAD TO RESPONSIBLE AI
To navigate the future of AI ethically and responsibly, several actions are necessary:
1. Ethical Frameworks: Developing and adhering to ethical frameworks for AI development and deployment is vital. These frameworks should prioritize fairness, transparency, and accountability.
2. Regulations and Standards: Governments and industry bodies must establish regulations and standards for AI, addressing issues like privacy, and bias. Forays into this include privacy acts like the GDPR.
3. Ethics Education: Promoting AI ethics education ensures that AI practitioners and users are aware of ethical challenges and can make informed decisions.
4. Public Engagement: Engaging the public in discussions about AI's impact and ethical considerations fosters a broader understanding and helps shape responsible AI policies. This is what we are doing with this series!
AI EXCITEMENT ON THE HORIZON
As we conclude our AI series, it's evident that AI is a transformative force with the potential to improve our lives in countless ways.
AI’s journey is ongoing, and its future is shaped not only by technology but by the choices we make as a society. At Moi Panda, we are proud to keep AI ethical frameworks and principles in mind as we iterate and improve. By keeping the safety of our users at the forefront of our design, and through understanding the challenges of the modern tech landscape, we are ensuring our users have a high quality and positive experience with the online world. We are ensuring we use AI advantageously to improve the quality of daily life, socialization, and learning.
Thank you for joining us on this exploration of AI. We hope this series has provided you with a deeper understanding of this dynamic field and its significance in our rapidly evolving world. Stay curious, stay informed, and continue to engage with the evolving landscape of tech - rest assured that we will.
We would love to hear what you have to say about AI! If you found this article through one of our social media channels, leave a comment on the post letting us know your thoughts and feelings. How are you integrating with AI in your daily life? What are your concerns? What are your solutions? Let’s talk!
Brandon Collier, Business Analyst at Moi Panda
