DO WE TRUST IN AI AND IT’S ETHICS?

di Lara Sözer

2024
MASTER’S DEGREE – Technologies and Languages of Communication
Link Campus University

AI’s Development and Significance Through 2024 
Since its conception in the middle of the 20th century, artificial intelligence (AI) has grown exponentially, moving from pure theoretical study to being integrated into common applications. AI’s capabilities have grown as a result of advancements in machine learning and neural networks, which were once limited to simpler tasks. By 2024, artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have improved efficiency and decision-making processes across several industries, including healthcare, banking, and customer service. The growing role of AI has made ethical questions more crucial. Duggal and Tripathi (2024) state that to promote openness and uphold patient trust, it is imperative that patients are told about the amount of AI’s engagement in their treatment as well as how their data is used.

Definitions and Wide-Ranging Uses for Generative AI
Artificial intelligence that uses data already in existence to generate new material is known as generative AI. This includes producing writing, graphics, and even music that emulates the creative process of a human. It can be used for a wide range of tasks, from generating novel drug formulations in pharmaceuticals to creating personalized content for marketing. Jillahi and Iorliam (2024) have pointed out that there are substantial ethical obligations associated with the development of generative AI, particularly concerning the need to maintain privacy and prevent biases in AI-generated outputs. With its enormous potential to transform businesses and offer more scalable and affordable solutions than ever before, generative AI holds great promise. 

The Vital Crossroads Between AI and Ethics
To make sure that the application of these technologies is in line with societal norms and values, ethics in AI is essential. Fairness, accountability, and openness are among the core values of AI ethics since they foster trust and guard against harm. Ensuring that AI applications are used for the public good, protecting privacy, and preventing prejudice are all made possible by including ethical considerations in AI research. Pressman et al. (2024) stress the significance of resolving ethical issues in particular applications, such as surgery, where the decision-making capabilities of AI may directly affect patient outcomes. It is a crucial task that needs constant oversight and supervision to make sure AI behaves in a way that humans can comprehend and justify.

Public Attitude and Confidence Toward AI-Powered Systems
The transparency of AI, how it affects employment, privacy issues, and the perceived balance between dangers and benefits all influence public trust in the technology. Building trust requires effective communication about the workings of AI and its possible ramifications. According to Alasgarova and Rzayev (2024), encouraging ethical use and digital literacy in educational settings is essential to enabling users to use AI technology ethically and successfully. The potential of AI to improve routine tasks and its integration into systems that uphold user liberty and data privacy, guaranteeing that AI acts as a beneficial rather than a disruptive force, also has an impact on trust. 

Moral Structures for Useful AI
The goal of developing ethical AI is to provide society advantages in addition to minimizing misuse. AI systems are developed and used with the assistance of ethical frameworks to guarantee that they benefit society. Ferrell et al. (2024) have proposed frameworks that encourage the development of AI with a clear knowledge of its societal consequences, such as encouraging equity and preventing harm. To ensure that AI technologies are applied in ways that respect human rights and dignity and promote an inclusive future for all, stakeholders from a variety of industries must work together to improve these frameworks going forward. 

[1st source]: Duggal, I., & Tripathi, T. (2024). Ethical principles in dental healthcare: Relevance in the current technological era of artificial intelligence. Journal of Oral Biology and Craniofacial Research. 

[2nd source]: Jillahi, K. B., & Iorliam, A. (2024). A Scoping Literature Review of Artificial Intelligence in Epidemiology: Uses, Applications, Challenges and Future Trends. Journal of Computing Theories and Applications. 

[3rd source]: Pressman, S. M., Borna, S., Gomez-Cabello, C. A., & Haider, S. A. (2024). AI and Ethics: A Systematic Review of the Ethical Considerations of Large Language Model Use in Surgery Research. Healthcare.

[4th source]: Alasgarova, R., & Rzayev, J. (2024). The role of Artificial Intelligence in shaping high school students’ motivation. International Journal of Technology in Education and Science. 

[5th source]: Ferrell, O. C., Harrison, D. E., Ferrell, L. K., & Ajjan