Should students think about how AI systems might be misused?
Yes. Students studying AI should consider not only its useful applications but also possible misuse, such as privacy breaches, discriminatory decisions, the spread of misinformation, or cyberattacks. They should examine the purpose and potential effects of a use, and pay attention to necessary safeguards as well as ethical and legal rules. The scope and depth of this topic vary by faculty and course, so specific details should be checked in official course information.
Key points
- Consider potential harm and unintended effects, not only AI’s benefits.
- Pay attention to privacy, discrimination, accuracy of information, and security safeguards.
- Check whether the purpose and method of using AI comply with ethical and legal rules.
Things to check
- The scope and depth of instruction about these risks vary by university, faculty, and course.