“Where we see AI as having limitations are in the obvious areas: emotions, feelings, subjective thinking. Humans are unique in their ability to feel in a very complex way and translate those feelings into emotional connections. Limitations in artificial intelligence will also stem from the degree of precision with which technologists are able to replicate human ‘intelligence’ and decision-making” – Or Shani, CEO, Albert
AI controversy is a burning issue in today’s world. As AI technology advances and its applications become more widespread, so too do the ethical dilemmas that come with it. AI has the power to make decisions that could have a huge impact on society, so it’s essential to be aware of the potential issues that could arise. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the AI controversies that marketers should steer clear of, as well as how to avoid them. Let’s dive in and get the conversation started!
AI Controversies and Concerns
Predicting People
The first AI controversy to avoid is making predictions about people. AI algorithms can be used to make predictions about people based on their data, such as their age, gender, and lifestyle. This can be a very dangerous practice, as it could lead to discrimination and other unethical decisions. If you’ve ever seen the movie Minority Report, you know that predictions can go too far. There’s a difference between targeted marketing and intrusive manipulation. Where we draw that line as a society will be an ongoing challenge for years to come.
Privacy Infringement
Another AI controversy to be aware of is collecting and using sensitive data. Protecting sensitive, personal information has been a hot topic long before the emergence of AI. But as AI is becoming more incorporated into all of our tools, the need for privacy is higher than ever before. AI algorithms can be used to collect and analyze data from people’s social media accounts, emails, and other sources. This can lead to privacy concerns, as well as potential misuse of the data.
Implicit Bias
Marketers should be aware of making unethical decisions using AI. AI algorithms can be used to make decisions that are not necessarily ethical, such as manipulating data or making decisions based on biased data. It is important to ensure that any decisions made using AI are ethical and in compliance with any applicable laws or regulations.
Deepfakes
Deepfakes are a type of synthetic media in which a person in a video or image is replaced with someone else’s likeness. The real danger and ethical concerns of deepfakes lies in how they can be used to manipulate and misrepresent political leaders’ speeches. This can be incredibly damaging to people’s trust in the media, which is already at an all-time low. This mistrust is dangerous for societies, as mass media is still the primary way that governments communicate with the public in times of emergency, such as during a pandemic.
Avoiding AI Controversies
As a marketer, you should do your best to use AI in a safe way.. Marketers should be aware of the potential ethical issues that could arise from using AI algorithms and act accordingly. One of the best ways to avoid AI controversies with structured, accessible transparency. Anytime research takes place, whether it’s from a for-profit or non-profit company, needs to be publicly shared.
AI developers should also be able to explain how their algorithms work, in detail. This helps predict any potential unethical issues before they happen. Any team working with AI algorithms must be extremely knowledgeable and their goals must be clear. It is also important to have a team with experience in both AI and ethical decision-making to ensure that any decisions made with AI are positive.
Conclusion
The future of AI is bright and exciting, but we must be careful with how we implement this technology into society. Implicit bias, deepfakes, and privacy infringement are just a few of the obstacles that are only exacerbated by artificial intelligence. These problems weren’t created by AI, but it will certainly have to address them. The best way to avoid AI controversies is to be aware of potential ethical issues, use a knowledgeable team, and make sure your goals are clear. By following these steps, marketers can ensure that their AI algorithms are being used ethically and safely.