AI ETHICS
EDUCATION
Empowering Youth Through Responsible AI Use
A hyperrealistic AI-generated image.
At SXSW EDU in Austin, Texas, I had the incredible opportunity to cover an essential conversation on AI ethics and youth empowerment as a TMN media creator. I spoke with Shilpi Agarwal, a leading voice in ethical AI, and founder of STEAM in AI and DataEthics4All. As a DeepLearning.AI Ambassador, she’s at the forefront of ensuring that the next generation doesn’t just build AI—they understand the ethical responsibility that comes with it.
When I first heard about Shilpi’s advocacy for responsible AI, I had so many questions. With coding becoming a commodity, is it enough to just develop AI? Or do we have a duty to think about its impact? Shilpi believes both are essential. Young people must learn not only the technical side but also the real-world consequences of AI-driven decisions.
The Ethical Dilemmas of AI
One of the first things I asked her was: “What are the dangers of AI, and how can it be misused?”
Her answer was eye-opening. AI becomes dangerous when creators ignore ethics.
🚗 AI-driven cars could make life-or-death decisions without human oversight.
📸 Facial recognition can misidentify people due to biased data, leading to wrongful arrests.
📊 Corporate data collection often lacks transparency, violating user privacy.
She compared these dilemmas to the famous Trolley Problem—a moral test where you must choose between letting a train hit five people or pulling a lever to redirect it, sacrificing one instead. AI faces these ethical crossroads daily. But who makes these choices? The people designing the systems.
Why Gen Z Must Lead the Charge
Shilpi’s biggest message? Young people have power.
AI isn’t just created by developers—it’s shaped by users, consumers, and activists who demand ethical standards. Gen Z is in a unique position to push for change.
🗣 Speak up against unethical AI practices.
📢 Advocate for transparency and fairness in technology.
⚖️ Demand better regulations that prioritize human well-being.
The Future is in Our Hands
Talking to Shilpi made me realize something: ethical AI isn’t just a tech issue—it’s a human issue. The more we educate ourselves, the more we can shape the future of AI for the better.
Let’s start the conversation. Because if we don’t demand ethical AI, who will?
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