Hello, curious minds. Today, AI is everywhere. From the apps that suggest what you should watch tonight to autocorrect which insists that it knows you better that you do yourself. Here’s the truth: AI isn’t always right. (Looking at you, Autocorrect) That’s why ethics are important.

This guide is about taking a moment to pause and ask the big questions. How can we ensure that AI is used to good effect? Is AI fair? Is it fair? Who’s to blame when things go wrong? Spoiler alert! It’s not Skynet.

We will explore these head-scratchers with fun activities, and ask thought-provoking questions that will get your brains buzzing. This is not a quiz. It’s a chance for you to think critically, and perhaps argue a few points, over some snacks.

Step 1: Warm up with some Big Questions

Grab your favorite notebook or open up a note app if you want to be modern and answer these questions. Put on your thinking cap!

1. Why is AI ethical? It’s only lines of code right? Or is it?
2. Can AI be truly unbiased or do they end up copying the bad habits of humans?
3. Who is responsible if an AI system makes a horrible mistake (like rejecting a candidate for a job incorrectly)?
4. Should AI be limited in what it can do? What about things like checking your toast’s doneness or surveillance?
5. Privacy vs. convenience. (Hello, apps to “track your fitness”) What’s the limit?
6. What happens when the “right” of one culture clashes against another’s? Who wins?

Write down your first thoughts or have a discussion at dinner.

Step 2: Activities to Challenge the Bold and Thoughtful

1. Friendly Argument Time

Divide into smaller groups (or argue with yourself, if you are alone; no judgement) and choose one of the major questions above. What is your mission? Discussion, laughter, and challenging each other’s thoughts are all good ways to get the conversation going. Bonus points for someone who says, “Whoa! I never thought of it that way!”

Tip Use real-life situations to illustrate your point. For example, when facial recognition technology failed or hiring apps “preferred” a certain type of candidate. Use them to spark a discussion.

2. AI Drama Case Study

Unpack this mini-drama:
To save time, a large company has created an AI-based hiring system. But…surprise! It’s not a good idea. This ends up favouring certain demographics. Yikes.

Your job? Dig into it:

• What went wrong?
• How could this company have avoided the facepalm moment that it had?
• What systems or rules should be put in place to prevent this from happening again?

Bring up some solutions for power players. Keep it moral, but go wild.

3. Journal Like You Really Mean It

Set a 15-minute timer and think about these things:

• How can AI improve your daily life?
• What is your biggest concern about AI? Hacking? Or that Siri secretly rated your playlists?
• How can YOU ensure AI is used to good effect (even if it’s not you who coded it)?

Your ideas can inspire you to jot them down, draw or even write a sci-fi novel. It’s up to you.

4. Role-Playing Adventure

Imagine that you are an AI developer. Imagine you’re an AI developer. You may be a frustrated regular person who is annoyed by targeted ads. Choose a role, and engage in a friendly discussion with others.

Here is a topic for a discussion to get you going:
Should governments create stricter AI rules before companies use AI widely?

Pro tip? Keep in character! Playing a tech-company CEO? You might throw around terms like “synergy”, “scalability”, and “symbiosis” just for fun.

5. Create Your AI Code of Honor

Draw four large buckets on a piece of blank paper. Label them fairness transparency privacy and accountability. Imagine how each of these would look in the world AI.

As an example:

• Fairness: AI shouldn’t judge my application for a bank based on the zodiac sign I have, duh.
• Transparency: Give me at least a hint as to what your algorithm does with my information!

Compare your ideas to those of a friend when you are finished. You’ll have two “whoa” moments.

Step 3: Wrap it Up

Reflect on all you have just done. Perhaps over a coffee or snack. You might ask yourself:

• What is the one thing that you’ve learned?
• What could you do to change the way you think or use AI?
• You can ask questions about the app’s privacy settings.

Here’s an extra pro tip (if you feel motivated): Make a mini-action plan. You could start by simply researching how AI bias occurs or you could be bold and create a campus group to discuss these issues.

Final Thoughts

The AI isn’t bad (unless you’re watching a sci-fi film). It’s just a tool. How we use it is the important part. We have to ensure that it is helpful, fair and human-friendly.

Keep the ethical thinking flowing by asking some tough questions. Who knows? Who knows? No pressure.