On November 21st, alignAI doctoral candidates Julia Li and Simay Toplu held an interactive workshop with 32 students at Samuel-Heinicke-Fachoberschule, organized by the Europe Direct Network. The goal was to help students foster an increased understanding of the risks and benefits of using AI chatbots in real-life situations. Students were provided an accessible description of the various risk levels of AI systems mentioned in the AI Act and introduced the concept of Trustworthy AI, accompanied by real-life examples in everyday life such as spelling autocorrect and Spotify/Netflix recommendations. Ms. Li and Ms. Toplu encouraged students to reflect on societal issues in the EU and beyond, and how they impact AI use (such as environmental sustainability, misinformation, data governance, etc.).
The students subsequently broke into small groups to collaborate and reflect on how they would or would not use AI, as well as what prerequisites they consider important for Trustworthy AI through an active case study and debate format on the following scenarios:
Use Case 1: The Essay Whisperer
A student wants to make their assignment sound more academic and considers letting an
AI tool “polish” their writing. Is this responsible use or does it cross a line?
Use Case 2: The ChatGPT Coworker
A psychologist is unsure how to respond to a potential child safety risk and wonders if ChatGPT can support their professional judgment. Should medical professionals be able touse ChatGPT to inform their decisions?
Use Case 3: The Influenza Influencer
An Instagram influencer warns about a “dangerous new flu variant” but provides no
sources. How do you know that what is being reported is true?
The intended learning outcomes of the workshop were:
- Increased understanding of the risks and benefits of using chatbots in real-life situations.
- Improved awareness of EU AI regulations, norms and protections.
- Reflection on societal issues in the EU and beyond and how they impact AI use (environmental protection, misinformation, data governance, etc.).
- Promotion of responsible and thoughtful use of technology.
- Deeper understanding of how technology and ethics interact.
Overall, Ms. Li and Ms. Toplu strived to contribute to a more ethical use of technology by students and highlight the relationship between technology and ethics in the EU.
