Developing an Ethical Foundation in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Written by: Donna Krivas
Donna is a seasoned program and project manager with broad expertise across industry disciplines and specialized proficiency in data governance, security, and privacy. She focuses on delivering strategic solutions that align with organizational goals, ensuring compliance with complex regulatory standards, and fostering environments that prioritize trust and collaboration.
As technology continues to advance, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a powerful part of everyone’s daily lives, whether we want it or not. From social media algorithms that aggregate searches to enable targeted ads, to AI tools that help with homework, these technologies shape how we learn, communicate, and make decisions. This technology driven world brings exciting opportunities—and it also demands a strong ethical foundation.
Why is ethics so important? Ethics is about understanding what’s right and wrong, and it helps navigate the gray areas where technology and human values overlap. Ethics is doing the right thing, even when nobody is watching. Without ethical guidelines, the technology we rely on could create unintended consequences, from invading privacy to spreading misinformation.
Always remember, ethical behavior is a personal choice, and it applies to everything in life, from personal interactions to professional responsibility in the job market.
Every app you use collects data. While this information can be helpful it also poses risks. Personally, limiting your social media presence, or at a minimum, being mindful of with whom you are sharing information is of paramount importance. I would suggest taking a breath to consider the value you will receive by a blind acceptance of sharing your data – before you click “OK”.
Imagine a world where personal data is shared without consent or used against you. And know that in some cases this is reality today, it’s not a “sometime in the future, or it won’t happen to me scenario.” That is why it’s critical to respect privacy. Think carefully about what you share online, read the terms of use rather than blindly agreeing, and ask questions before you click ok if you don’t understand the terms.
How we use technology reflects who we are. Using AI tools to cheat on assignments, for instance, might seem harmless but undermines personal growth and academic integrity. Strong ethics mean using technology to enhance learning, solve problems, and to connect meaningfully with others—not as a shortcut that avoids responsibility.
As future leaders and innovators, your ethical choices today will shape the technologies of tomorrow. Stay curious and informed about the impacts of AI, think critically about how it's used, and speak up when you see technology being misused.
With a strong ethical foundation, you can help ensure that the power of AI is harnessed responsibly.
