In this assignment, you will create a Public Service Announcement (PSA) focusing on a pressing issue related to generative AI within a specific career path of your choice. This project is an opportunity to explore how generative AI is shaping different sectors and to inform the public about its implications.
Generative AI, a subset of artificial intelligence, involves algorithms that can generate text, images, and other data forms that were traditionally created by humans. As this technology rapidly advances, it presents a myriad of potential benefits, such as improving decision-making processes and increasing efficiency across various sectors. However, these advancements also bring significant ethical challenges and societal implications that need critical examination.
Key issues surrounding generative AI include:
Privacy and Security: How does the use of generative AI impact individual privacy rights and data security? Concerns include the unauthorized use of personal data to train AI models and the potential for AI to be used in surveillance systems.
Bias and Fairness: AI systems can perpetuate and even amplify biases present in their training data. This raises questions about fairness and equality, particularly in applications like law enforcement, job recruitment, and loan approvals.
Autonomy and Job Displacement: As AI systems become more capable, there is a growing debate about the displacement of jobs and the ethical considerations of replacing human decision-making with algorithms.
Regulation and Control: The rapid development of AI technologies poses a challenge for regulators and policymakers. There is a pressing need for robust legal frameworks to manage the deployment of AI technologies responsibly.
Ethical Use and Misuse: The potential misuse of generative AI technologies, such as creating misleading information or deepfakes, is a critical area of concern.
Through your PSA, you are encouraged to explore how generative AI impacts the field you are passionate about, address both its potential and the pitfalls, and propose thoughtful engagement on these crucial issues. This exploration not only informs the public but also fosters a deeper understanding of the responsibilities that come with technological advancements.
Process for Developing and Writing the PSA
First, you will select a generative AI topic that is relevant to the career path you are interested in or currently pursuing. Second, you will conduct research into the topic you chose. Third, you will create a draft of what information you will include in your final PSA. (These three “free writes” each focus on a certain aspect of the PSA – further details are provided in the course site.) Lastly, you will submit a final written version and will (optionally, but hopefully) format your PSA message in a medium of your choosing.
Final PSA Submission
You will submit a written version of your PSA which will be graded on how well you meet the criteria for the project (see Final PSA Project Requirements below). In addition, I encourage you to showcase your PSA message in one of the following mediums. Not only is writing a PSA a great writing and communication skill, but creating a video, recording, or web content shows creativity and design capabilities. An optional discussion board where students can share their final products will be available.
Video: Create a short video suitable for social media sharing.
Audio: Record a short podcast-style informational piece.
Digital Flyer: Design an engaging and informative digital flyer.
Web Content: Develop a webpage or infographic.
