How can we as individual professionals navigate the world of AI responsibly and ethically, even in the absence of universally established frameworks or guidelines? In this article, we'll explore questions to ensure mindful and responsible AI use, and how this bottom-up approach can impact the development and wider adoption of AI technology.

As AI becomes increasingly integrated into various aspects of our lives, we must recognize our individual responsibility in shaping ethical AI practices. By reflecting on the unique values we hold and practicing self-awareness, we can use AI mindfully and responsibly, even when no one is looking.

Reflection Questions for Partnering With AI

To ensure ethical AI use in your role and business, consider reflecting on your responses to these questions:

  1. What are the potential consequences of using AI in this context, both positive and negative?
  2. Does the use of AI align with my core values and the values of my organization?
  3. Are there any biases that may arise from using AI in this situation, and how can I address them?
  4. How can I be transparent about my AI usage with stakeholders and clients?
  5. Are there alternative, non-AI solutions that may be more appropriate in this case?

Here's an example of these questions in practice:

Situation: Laurie is an executive assistant with an overloaded inbox. She downloads and installs an AI-powered browser extension that generates a contextually appropriate email response based on scanning her email.

  1. What are the potential consequences of using AI in this context, both positive and negative?

    Positive:     Laurie can answer every email in her inbox and move on to more important tasks.

    Negative: Some of Laurie's contacts are high-level decisionmakers, and many of her messages involve sensitive or confidential information. The data policies of that AI tool may cause her to breach her company's data policies. The AI tool may also suggest a reply that feels robotic or unaligned with the person's expectation of communication and service.
  2. Does the use of AI align with my core values and the values of my organization?

    Laurie believes that some things are best done manually, and other things are best done with tech. Her core value of Responsibility means she must always take a final look at something AI generates before she uses it.

    Laurie's organization believes in using technology to improve efficiency, and one of the business core values is The Customer is Always Right. She must elegantly manage the use of technology when a customer or investor is involved.
  3. Are there any biases that may arise from using AI in this situation, and how can I address them?

    Laurie reflects on the types of emails she receives, and decides that AI is best for the emails where she doesn't have a personal relationship with the sender. This allows her to keep a consistent tone and style with close relationships, including critical nuance based on their connection to her or the business.
  4. How can I be transparent about my AI usage with stakeholders and clients?

    Laurie has added a line to her email footer that discloses the use of AI-generated tools to draft emails.
  5. Are there alternative, non-AI solutions that may be more appropriate in this case?

    Laurie decides to answer some emails manually and use AI for others where a personalized reply isn't essential.

By practicing the act of reflection and asking these questions, you not only ensure responsible AI use for yourself but also influence how others learn about and interact with AI. This bottom-up approach to shaping ethical AI practices has the potential to set social norms and create a positive ripple effect in the industry.

We are still in the early days of AI, and individual professionals have the power to influence its development by setting a strong example of responsible use. By taking ownership of our choices and actions, we can contribute to a future where AI technology is not only efficient but also just and equitable.

How will you use your influence to shape ethical AI practices in your business or industry?

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