Provided by Dr Zena Burgess, CEO APS
Harnessing AI technology to develop a clear vision and strategy to augment the work that we, and our people do, is promising for our professions. As leaders, we must adopt a holistic approach to AI, considering strategic, technological, ethical, and societal factors. We must strive to effectively implement AI to drive business growth and innovation while managing risks and ensuring ethical and responsible use.
While the possibilities of AI are thrilling, we must tread carefully. AI is not just about technological advancement – it's about ethics and responsibility. Safeguarding mechanisms must keep pace with AI advancements to ensure individual and social safety. And while it’s exciting to embrace validated AI advancements across industries, we must especially remain wary of the use of it in ways that overlook essential human needs.
The impact of AI on professions is complex and will vary depending on the field and what type of AI systems are implemented. As CEOs, it is crucial we identify how AI can add value to our organisations, such as improving efficiency, enhancing customer experience, or driving innovation plus recognising how AI can be used to gain a competitive edge in our markets.
Impacts of AI may include automation, whereby efficiency and productivity are increased perhaps automating routine or mundane tasks, or augmentation which supports human capabilities like leveraging AI for predictive analytics or developing new AI-driven products and services. Perhaps transformation will take place, where entire professions can be enhanced or even changed entirely which may be the case for radiology in the future.
As CEOs we have a responsibility to consider the broader social impact of implementing AI, including addressing concerns about job displacement, especially in low-skill roles. There are also ethical and social implications to consider as well as the continuous learning of our workforce which will become even more valuable, so they remain at the cutting edge of their respective industries.
As CEOs we must establish frameworks to address issues such as bias, transparency, and accountability in AI systems we employ. On a wider level, policymakers and regulators must be aware of the extent of social and psychological benefits and harms associated with AI as they design, implement and evaluate AI safeguards.
When considering the proliferation of AI on a macro level, integrating insights from psychological science and bringing together psychological practitioners and researchers, computer scientists and consumers will be essential for a safe and trusted AI ecosystem that aligns with human values and societal needs.
Employing a risk-based approach that focuses on identifiable harms, holds AI developers accountable in cases of misuse, and includes psychologists as an integral part of any impact assessment process is key.
A regulatory system must also include public education and industry guidelines, standards and frameworks directly informed by industry peaks and professional leaders like yourself, that can help to guide the safe use of available AI systems in a way that minimises the potential for negative psychological and social impacts.
Careful review must also be taken when considering potential impacts on marginalised communities. AI systems may perpetuate and even exacerbate biases, compound existing disparities in access to resources, opportunities and digital infrastructure. Communities may also be underrepresented in the development and deployment of AI technologies. As leaders we must ensure due diligence occurs before systems are implemented within our organisations.
As AI continues to evolve at lightning speed, it is clear no industry is immune to its impact, even human-centred work like psychology. While there's a critical need for the development of comprehensive regulations and guidelines, it's worth exploring some of the interesting ways this technology could enhance our professions.
To effectively integrate AI into your organisation and capitalise on its benefits while mitigating potential risks, safeguarding mechanisms to uphold ethical standards must be put in place.
Let’s embrace AI, with a healthy dose of consideration, and together we can lead our industries into new dimensions of growth and success.
