Today, when artificial intelligence (AI) impacts our lives, I’ve seen many people want to be an AI ethicist. So, working in this role for many years, I am here to explore the seven pros and cons of being an AI ethicist based on my experiences.
So, let’s dive into this article right now to decide if it’s the right fit for you!
Who is an AI Ethicist?
An artificial intelligence ethicist specializes in the ethical considerations surrounding AI. I, an AI ethicist, study, analyze, and guide the AI systems’ development and deployment in ways that align with moral principles and human values.
Regarding the work environment, AI ethicists often work in interdisciplinary teams (including computer scientists, lawyers, philosophers, and policymakers) to strike a balance between technology and ethical considerations.
Below are the pros and cons of working as an AI ethicist, and I believe will help you decide whether to pursue this career.
I’ll start with the thrills of being an AI ethicist, including the satisfaction of playing a role in technological development and the attractive salary.
1. Important Role
Working as an AI ethicist isn’t just about finding a job. In this role, I love to champion principles of AI fairness, compassion, and responsibility to prevent it from causing harm or treating anyone unfairly.
As the world leans more on AI, my presence, as well as other AI ethicists’, is akin to a peaceful guardian.
2. Easy To Find A Job
Getting a job as an AI ethicist is becoming easier and more promising. Why? Because many companies and groups (big tech companies, research centers, and consulting firms) realize how important it is to ensure AI is used in the right way.
Another cool thing is that you don’t need just one specific background to get into this field. People with different skills and knowledge, like philosophy, law, social sciences, or computer science, can all find their place in AI ethics.
3. Good Pay
Working as an AI ethicist also comes with the perk of good pay. On average, AI ethicists in 2023 can earn about $98,580 per year, ranging from $80,000 to $121,000 or even more.
Why is the pay good? Well, as I’ve said, AI ethicists are in demand. This expertise is valuable to companies and organizations.
Another reason for this pay is that AI ethics is a complex field that needs people with various skills, like philosophy, social sciences, computer science, and law. Companies are willing to pay well to get experts to navigate these complexities.
4. Chance To Work With New Technologies
Being an AI ethicist is like getting a backstage pass to the new techs as I can explore the latest AI advancements and figure out how they work, all while ensuring they’re used ethically.
I can team up with tech experts, engineers, and data wizards. I help them ensure their AI creations play by the ethical rules. I’m right in the mix of where all the innovation is happening.
The best part? Technology never stops moving forward. AI keeps evolving, and I’m right there with it!
While the role is undeniably important, it has challenges and drawbacks, including complex systems, challenging learning paths, and pressure.
5. Work With Complex Systems
Being an AI ethicist means dealing with complex systems, and it’s quite a challenge. I try to untangle a web of computer programs, data, and technology.
The hard part is understanding all these complexities and how they might affect people’s lives. I have to dig deep into the nitty-gritty of AI (how machines learn and process data).
What makes it even more challenging is I have to connect these technical details with what’s right and wrong. This task needs tech know-how and a strong sense of what’s fair and just, and I always find them hard.
6. Tough Learning Path
Becoming an AI ethicist is no cakewalk. It involves a challenging learning journey. I’ve had to gather knowledge from various fields (philosophy, computer science, law, and social sciences).
One of the challenging parts of this path is keeping up with AI’s fast changes. I need to learn and adapt, and understanding complex algorithms, neural networks, and data processing is challenging.
Also, I must become a pro in ethics and moral philosophy as I always deal with tricky ideas and moral dilemmas. I must find the right balance between technology and what’s right and fair.
7. A Lot Of Pressure
Maybe you’ve heard this many times before: being an AI ethicist is very stressful! It’s like carrying a heavy responsibility because I’m in charge of making the best AI technology.
When there are ethical issues, I need to make decisions quickly, and these decisions can affect a lot of people. My suggestions can shape the AI rules; this adds even more pressure.
Should You Become an AI Ethicist?
Deciding whether to become an AI ethicist is a personal choice, and it depends on your interests and values. I chose this career because I care deeply about technology (particularly AI).
But here’s the deal: being an AI ethicist isn’t a walk in the park. It involves a lot of learning because technology is changing, and you have to keep up. There’s also pressure because you have to make tough ethical decisions.
However, you’ll find it fulfilling when you influence how AI is developed and used. This way, you can ensure it respects human values and benefits everyone.
So, should you become an AI ethicist? Well, if you’re passionate about ethics and enjoy learning about technology, it is the right path for you. Just be ready for its challenges!
Wrap Up
Have these advantages and disadvantages of being an AI ethicist helped you decide? The answer depends on what you value and want in a career.
I am sure that becoming an AI ethicist is a path where you can truly make a positive difference in the world.
Do you agree with my sharing above? Please comment to let me know!