The Ethics of AI

By Kenzie Eyles

By now, almost every student has used some form of Artificial Intelligence. Whether it’s asking ChatGPT for homework help, using filters on TikTok, or receiving personalised recommendations on Netflix, AI has quietly woven itself into everyday life. What once seemed futuristic is now sitting in our pockets, classrooms and homes. But as AI rapidly develops, one major question continues to amplify: just because we can create something, does that mean we should?

Artificial Intelligence has undeniably transformed society in positive ways. In healthcare, AI can detect diseases earlier than some doctors, helping save lives through faster diagnosis and treatment. In education, AI tools can support students with personalised learning, translations and accessibility features for people with disabilities. Businesses use AI to improve efficiency, while scientists rely on it to process enormous amounts of data in seconds. AI is not inherently “good” or “bad”, it is a tool. However, like any powerful tool, the ethics surrounding how it is used matter deeply.

One of the biggest ethical concerns is academic integrity. Students now have access to AI programs capable of writing essays, solving maths equations and even generating artwork within seconds. While these tools can support learning when used responsibly, they also create opportunities for cheating and plagiarism. If students rely entirely on AI to complete tasks, are they truly learning? Schools now face the challenge of balancing technological advancement with maintaining honesty and genuine understanding in education.

Another concern is employment. As AI becomes more advanced, many fear that jobs traditionally performed by humans could disappear. Customer service, data entry and even creative industries are increasingly influenced by automation. While some argue AI will create new careers, others worry that many workers may be left behind. This raises ethical questions about responsibility: if companies replace humans with machines for profit, who ensures workers are supported?

Privacy is another major issue. AI systems collect enormous amounts of personal information every day – our searches, conversations, locations and habits. Many people are unaware of just how much data they share online. This creates concerns about surveillance, manipulation and consent. If AI can predict our behaviour, recommend content and influence decisions, how much control do we truly have over our own choices?

Perhaps the most concerning issue is the spread of misinformation. AI-generated images, videos and voices have become so realistic that it is increasingly difficult to tell what is real and what is fake. Deepfakes can damage reputations, spread false information and manipulate public opinion. In a world already struggling with misinformation online, AI has the potential to intensify the problem dramatically.

However, there is one ethical issue that is often overlooked – the environmental impact of Artificial Intelligence, particularly its enormous water and energy usage. Many AI systems rely on massive data centres that require constant cooling to prevent overheating. This cooling process consumes significant amounts of water every day, particularly in areas already facing water shortages. Training advanced AI models also uses large amounts of electricity, contributing to carbon emissions and environmental strain. Whilst AI is often promoted as a symbol of progress and innovation, critics argue that its environmental cost raises serious ethical concerns. In a world already battling climate change and resource scarcity, society must consider whether the benefits of increasingly powerful AI outweigh the environmental damage required to sustain it.

Despite these concerns, rejecting AI completely is neither realistic nor necessary. Technology has always evolved, from the Industrial Revolution to the rise of the internet. The issue is not AI itself, but whether society develops ethical boundaries alongside innovation. Governments, schools and technology companies all have a responsibility to create regulations that prioritise safety, transparency and fairness.

Ultimately, AI reflects humanity itself. It can improve lives, solve problems and create opportunities, but it can also amplify inequality, dishonesty and harm when left unchecked. The ethics of AI are not just about machines – they are about human values. As the next generation grows up alongside this technology, the responsibility to question, challenge and use AI wisely belongs to all of us.