did a "mailbag" episode on their No Brainer podcast this week, during which they fielded listener questions, including mine about, guess what, #al#ethics.
I was a guest on their show two weeks ago, and Geoff said they had a 25% drop in listeners during that episode. Other than feeling just a little offended, it revealed a salient fact: In large part, marketers don't care about AI ethics.
Here's a question for you: Isn't AI ethics the canary in the coal mine? If so, should we not care? I'll answer that. Of course, we should. (I can see heads nodding in agreement.) However, to Greg's point, it's philosophical, and we have other things to do that occupy our time and mindshare.
But I really (and I mean really) like Greg's comments about why we should care:
"I fundamentally believe that [AI ethics] is the essential topic about artificial intelligence right now, not only because I saw and lived through the effects of digitalization, social media, and all the negative effects — and it's important for us to recognize our culpability in the problems that eek into society because of the choices we make — but also because we have the opportunity to put our powers to work for good. There's nobody better placed in this world to create a positive narrative and make the right choices than marketers. If we can sell bottles of water to thirsty people, we can certainly sell the upside of AI — but we have to do the right thing with AI."
So, what can we do to bring the AI marketing ethics issue to light in a way that makes marketers care? Seriously, what can we do?
It's apparent that AI can cause much harm, but it has the capacity to do great good. The direction it takes isn't in the hands of the AI tools we use; it's in ours. To quote Greg again, "AI ethics isn't about technology; it's about humanity."
It's up to us whether to act ethically as part of our disposition and core values or take low-road tactics to achieve short-term aims and risk long-term customer trust.
Our intentions are good, but our actions reveal our true nature and character.
Or am I just short-sighted, stating a problem that, in reality, does not exist?
I can only agree. Responsible and ethical AI is key in general and for marketers in particular due to their central role in data collection and data use (through advertising). Regulation will never be enough and on time so it's up to all of us (general public, users, marketers) to put in place strategies for a better world which can only include responsibility and accountability of AI marketing practices.
Thanks for listening, and for prompting the follow-up conversation. You know, I think Greg had some good suggestions on phrasing ethics within the context of the tasks such as protecting customer interests. It may be the ethics spin is too ethereal for those stuck in tactics. BUT, you are right to bea tthe drum. We need it. And we won't stop talking about ethics even if it means a loss in audience.
I really liked the episode. I’ve been in marketing for 20 years and to be honest, I’m just seriously thinking about ethics now—and that’s because of AI.
Ethical questions feel abstract and makes us uncomfortable. But they are necessary nonetheless. A recent book I read that opened my eyes to the ethical issues with technology is Power and Progress by Daron Acemoglu.
Diego, thanks for that candor. You're right that the question are abstract, but at the same time, it's a pragmatic issue that marekters need to address. Thanks for the book reference. I'll check it out.
I can only agree. Responsible and ethical AI is key in general and for marketers in particular due to their central role in data collection and data use (through advertising). Regulation will never be enough and on time so it's up to all of us (general public, users, marketers) to put in place strategies for a better world which can only include responsibility and accountability of AI marketing practices.
You're right about that. Thanks for weighing in, KL.
Thanks for listening, and for prompting the follow-up conversation. You know, I think Greg had some good suggestions on phrasing ethics within the context of the tasks such as protecting customer interests. It may be the ethics spin is too ethereal for those stuck in tactics. BUT, you are right to bea tthe drum. We need it. And we won't stop talking about ethics even if it means a loss in audience.
Geoff, thank you and Greg beating the drum as well. Let's hope we get an entire "drum line" talking about this.
I really liked the episode. I’ve been in marketing for 20 years and to be honest, I’m just seriously thinking about ethics now—and that’s because of AI.
Ethical questions feel abstract and makes us uncomfortable. But they are necessary nonetheless. A recent book I read that opened my eyes to the ethical issues with technology is Power and Progress by Daron Acemoglu.
Diego, thanks for that candor. You're right that the question are abstract, but at the same time, it's a pragmatic issue that marekters need to address. Thanks for the book reference. I'll check it out.