Why Talk About AI Ethics? From Bio-Medical Advances to AI in Arts

On December 20th, I Hosted AI’s Ethical Dilemma #2

It was incredible to see so many perspectives shared about AI and its influence on society. This was not just another event about technology. It was a space for real and meaningful conversations about the future.

We explored some of the most pressing debates surrounding AI’s impact on society, focusing on four key topics:

Societal Impact

How AI is reshaping jobs, education, and inequality.

Regulation and Governance

Should AI be treated as a public utility? How can we balance innovation with oversight?

Healthcare Innovation

From diagnostics to robotic surgery, we discussed AI’s transformative role while addressing ethical challenges.

Creative Industries

Does AI-generated art devalue human creativity? What about originality and copyright?

These discussions highlighted the diverse perspectives shaping the future of AI today.

Personal Reflection

I deeply value the opportunity to create a space where people can come together to (talk) about the ethical side of innovation. Earlier this year, I struggled to find any events in Vancouver focused on AI ethics. Most of what I found were just platforms for AI startups to promote themselves, talking (at) people instead of engaging (with) them.

I wanted to change that. I wanted to create a space where every perspective is valued. A space where we come together for conversations that matter.

Why Talk About AI Ethics?

It is not just about hosting an event. It is about shaping a better future, one where technology supports humanity in the most meaningful and impactful way possible. AI is transforming every aspect of our lives, from how we diagnose illnesses and improve education to how we work and create. This transformation is not a bad thing. In fact, it is an exciting step in technological evolution, opening doors to opportunities we never thought possible.

But here is the catch. With all this potential comes a huge responsibility. Right now, we are at a critical stage where the foundation for AI's future is being laid. The decisions we make today about how we develop, regulate, and use AI will determine whether it becomes a force for progress or a tool that creates more problems than it solves.

AI is a powerful tool, but it cannot stand on its own. It does not make choices or set goals by itself. Its growth, impact, and direction are completely in our hands. This makes it crucial to think carefully about the values and principles we want to embed into the AI systems we are building.

As humans, we are naturally biased. Our experiences, cultures, and perspectives shape the way we see the world. And that is okay, but it means we need to be super intentional when it comes to creating AI. Without careful consideration, those same biases can easily find their way into the technology, amplifying inequalities and injustices instead of solving them.

This is why ethics is not optional. We need to ensure AI reflects the best of us, not our flaws. AI should align with our values and become a supportive tool that improves our lives. It should help us solve problems, connect with each other, and improve the world around us. AI should be a friend, not something that undermines or works against us.

Talking about AI ethics is not just a fancy concept for techies or philosophers. It is about making sure AI works for everyone. It is about creating a space where ideas can be shared, tough questions can be asked, and everyone’s voice matters. These conversations are critical because they help us address real-world issues like fairness, accountability, and trust in AI systems.

By having these discussions now, we are taking the first steps toward building a future where AI empowers people instead of holding them back. The choices we make today will define the role AI plays in our lives for years to come.

So, why talk about AI ethics? Because it is up to us to create a world where AI truly supports humanity, not just a select few. And honestly, there is no better time to start than now.

What kind of future do you want to build with AI? Let us keep this conversation going.

Best,

Polina Moshenets

^{Acknowledgments}

^{A massive thank you to my amazing co-hosts and debate lead who made this event truly special: Jaskirat Singh, Kris Krüg, Dean Shev, Steven ten Holder. This event would not have been possible without the incredible support of our sponsors: Northeastern University, VHT.AI, Future Proof Creatives, MILLIONFACES Media.}