How We Can Shape The Technology We Need For the World We Want

In an era where AI can compose symphonies and drive cars, we stand at a crossroads. The choices we make today will shape the contours of tomorrow’s world. But how can we ensure the expanding technological tsunami propels us towards a brighter future rather than sweeping away our humanity?

The Internet of Things (IoT) is rapidly evolving into the Internet of Everything. Our devices aren’t just connected; they’re becoming extensions of ourselves. The line between user and tool blurs with each passing innovation. Whether the trend of this innovative dynamic is in the interest of people and planet, or pure profit depends on us. Our choices matter.

From Code to Conscience: The Ripple Effect

Every interaction with AI, from a simple Google search to a complex financial algorithm, leaves an indelible mark on the digital landscape. When millions choose privacy-centric platforms like DuckDuckGo over data-hungry alternatives, it sends shockwaves through Silicon Valley.

Consider the AI for Good movement. What started as a niche initiative has blossomed into a global phenomenon, with tech giants and startups alike vying to showcase their ethical AI credentials. This shift isn’t just changing products; it’s reshaping entire business philosophies. It may seem far out to draw the connect between the individual consumer and gigantic tech companies such as OpenAI or Google, yet ultimately every person matters in the kaleidoscopic ‘reality’ of society.

Every app we choose, every AI-driven service we use, and every tech company we (in)directly support is a vote for the future we do (not) want to see.

Augmenting Humanity: AI as the Great Enabler

A lot has been said about the threat that AI poses to jobs – and a lot of up-skilling, down-skilling, cross-skilling is happening already. But whether the expansion of this new general purpose tool into ever more areas of life and work helps or harms us is yet to be seen. An optimistic angle may serve us best during this transition. Because whereas the avoidance of negative outcomes undermines our creativity, a focus on opportunities unleashes our creativity in making the best out of a situation, as shown by research long before the onset of generative AI. It is up to us how we distribute our tasks, and which of them we delegate to our 24/7 assistants.

Perhaps the true power of AI lies not in mimicking humans, but in amplifying our unique capabilities. Conscious complementarity may take us closer to solving certain lingering social challenges; for example in precision medicine where IBM’s Watson for Oncology is partnering with doctors to create personalized cancer treatment plans, potentially saving countless lives. Or take tools like DALL-E that are transforming anyone with an idea into a visual artist, democratizing creativity in unprecedented ways. Another example of prosocial AI is Microsoft’s AI for Earth which is tailored for the use of AI to track endangered species, predict natural disasters, and optimize renewable energy systems. The scope and direction of each of these examples was decided upon by people, individuals like you and me.

Take the LEAD: Architecting an Ethical AI Future

To steer this AI revolution towards the greater good, each of us can embrace:

• Leadership: Visionaries like Fei-Fei Li, co-director of Stanford’s Human-Centered AI Institute, are championing an AI future that enhances rather than replaces human capabilities. No matter the arena we evolve in, we can adopt a human-first perspective in our interaction with AI; as business leaders, our vision influences our teams.
• Ethics: Initiatives like the IEEE Global Initiative on Ethics of Autonomous and Intelligent Systems are setting standards for responsible AI development. The respect and promotion of these standards depends on individuals, and the institutions that they are part of.
• Accessibility: Projects such as AI Commons are working to make AI tools available to solve global challenges, regardless of economic barriers. For those of us who are fortunate to benefit from AI, it matters to remember that we are a tiny fraction of this world’s population. Our voice can serve to expand access to others.
• Development: Amid the pursuit of technological prowess, we can seek to push the boundaries of prosocial AI capabilities, while positioning safety and ethical considerations as prime concerns. Whether we are technological experts or informed consumers, the next generation of AI is shaped under our watch.

Crafting Tomorrow, Today

As we navigate this AI-augmented world, each of us holds the power to shape its trajectory. Our daily choices ripple outward, influencing the development and application of AI technologies. By making conscious decisions that prioritize people and planet, we can steer the AI revolution towards a more equitable and sustainable future.

Consider the impact of your digital footprint. When you opt for privacy-respecting services, support ethical AI initiatives, or choose products from companies with strong environmental commitments, you’re casting a vote for the future you want to see. Individual actions, multiplied across millions of users, send a message to tech giants and startups alike.

Moreover, our choices extend beyond the digital realm. Supporting local businesses that use AI to reduce waste, participating in community AI literacy programs, or advocating for AI ethics in the workplace all contribute to a more thoughtful integration of AI into our society. By aligning our personal values with our technological choices, we can ensure that AI serves as a tool for collective progress rather than a force that exacerbates existing inequalities.

To make informed choices, it’s useful to have basic algorithmic literacy.

• Learn : Exploring AI ethics courses is one step towards informed consumption.
• Expand : Beyond the range of usual platforms, deliberately supporting companies prioritizing responsible AI, can make a difference.
• Act: Contributing to open-source AI projects can be a way to expand the range of models.
• Dare: Envisioning the future that we want to build, and that we want our children to grow up in is the first step toward making that reality happen. If we do not know where we want to go, someone else can easily take us for a ride.

LEADership does not depend on status or hierarchy. It is the result of personal choices that each of us can take.

If you are interested in the topic of Agency Amid AI for All (A4), please join us at the United Nations Science Summit in September 2024.

And check my previous articles in this series:

Why AI Inclusion Is A Matter Of Life And Death

How To Use AI As A Creative Sparring Partner

Building Hybrid Resilience In A Tech-Dependent World: Lessons Learned

How Can AI Compensate For Age-Related Cognitive Decline.

Harnessing Human Intelligence In An AI-Driven World

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