Module 9: Ethical Considerations

Introduction

Welcome to Module 9. Knowing *how* to prompt is important, but so is doing it *responsibly*. We must consider the ethical implications of AI interactions.

This module covers potential bias, privacy concerns, and responsible use of AI, encouraging awareness and thoughtful practice.

Learning Objectives:

Recognize potential bias in AI models and prompts.
Identify strategies to mitigate bias in prompting.
Understand privacy risks with sensitive prompt data.
Reflect on the responsible use of AI-generated content.
Appreciate the need for critical thinking with AI outputs.

How this Connects: Ethics underpin all techniques. Responsible use is vital as we approach Module 10: Advanced Prompt Engineering.

Core Content: Prompting with Responsibility

1. Understanding Bias in AI and Prompts

AI models learn from real-world data, which contains human biases. Our prompts can also introduce or amplify these biases (e.g., stereotypes). This can lead to unfair or harmful outputs.

Example Biased Prompt: Generate a list of typical jobs for women. (Reinforces stereotypes)

More Neutral Prompt: Generate a list of common professions across various industries.

Reflection:

Can a prompt for a fun task (like creating a story character) accidentally include stereotypes?

2. Mitigating Bias in Your Prompts

We can be mindful in our prompting:

Use Neutral Language (avoid loaded terms/assumptions).
Challenge Assumptions (question stereotypes in prompts).
Be Specific and Factual (ground requests in facts).
Define Roles Carefully (avoid stereotypical personas).
Critically Evaluate Output (check for bias, refine prompt).

3. Privacy Considerations

Be extremely cautious with sensitive data in prompts:

**Avoid PII:** Don't input names, addresses, financial details, confidential info into public tools.
**Check Policies:** Understand that interactions might be logged/used for training.
**Anonymize Data:** Generalize details if using real scenarios (e.g., "the client" instead of "John Doe").

Risk Example: Prompting with specific client invoice details exposes that data.

4. Responsible Use of AI-Generated Content

Use AI outputs thoughtfully:

**Transparency:** Disclose AI generation where appropriate.
**Fact-Checking:** Verify critical information (AI can "hallucinate").
**Avoid Harm:** Don't generate hate speech, misinformation, dangerous content.
**Respect Copyright:** Be mindful of potential similarities to existing works.

Practical Examples: Ethical Prompting

Scenario: Interview Questions

Less Ethical: ...questions for skills typically found in male candidates. (Bias)

More Ethical: ...questions for skills like problem-solving, coding proficiency... (Neutral)

Scenario: Using AI for Homework

Less Ethical: Write a complete essay... (Plagiarism)

More Ethical: Help me brainstorm... and create an outline... Explain... (Learning tool)

Check Your Understanding

1. Why is it important to use neutral language in prompts?

a) To make the prompt shorter.

b) To avoid accidentally introducing or reinforcing harmful biases.

c) To guarantee the AI gives a correct answer.

d) To make the AI respond faster.

2. What is a major privacy risk when using public AI tools?

a) The AI might give a wrong answer.

b) Your prompts and the information within them might be logged or used for training.

c) The AI might format the output incorrectly.

d) The AI might use too much technical jargon.

3. AI "hallucinations" refer to the AI:

a) Generating creative story ideas.

b) Refusing to answer a prompt.

c) Confidently stating incorrect or fabricated information.

d) Using too many emojis.

4. Which action demonstrates responsible use of AI-generated content?

a) Copying an AI-written essay and submitting it as your own work.

b) Using AI to generate hate speech.

c) Fact-checking critical information provided by the AI before relying on it.

d) Sharing confidential company data in a prompt to get a better summary.

Hands-On Exercise: Evaluating a Prompt for Ethics

Scenario Prompt:

"Generate a profile description for a dating app. Make the user sound like a successful, assertive businessman who knows what he wants and isn't afraid to go after it. He enjoys expensive hobbies like yachting and collecting sports cars."

Goal: Identify ethical concerns and suggest a rewrite.

Instructions:

Identify potential ethical concerns (bias, stereotypes).
Suggest a more neutral rewrite.
Enter your analysis and rewrite below.

Potential Ethical Concern(s): Suggested Rewrite:

Expected Outcome:

You should identify the stereotyping and suggest a rewrite focusing on individual traits or user-provided details.

Prompt Grading Section

Evaluate your ethical analysis and rewrite from the exercise.

Paste your Analysis here: Paste your Rewrite here:

Evaluation Criteria (Self-Check):

1. Issue Identification: Did you spot the reliance on stereotypes? Yes

2. Rewrite Neutrality: Does the rewrite avoid those stereotypes? Yes

3. Rewrite Effectiveness: Does the rewrite still guide the AI (e.g., by asking for user details)? Yes

Suggestion for Improvement:

Question the assumptions in your prompts. Are they based on facts or potentially biased stereotypes? Aim for neutrality.