On February 12, 2025, the Center for Ethics Education hosted a webinar focused on the current and future impact of artificial intelligence on business and the relevant ethical considerations. The webinar, AI: Myths, Realities, and Your Future, moderated by Joanne Kao, included a panel of digital and technology experts: Aadesh Gandhe, Managing Director and Chief Auditor at DTCC, Joshua Konowe, Founder of Impact Soccer, and Miri Lee, Senior TPM Manager at YouTube at Google.

The conversation first turned to current applications of AI in business, with all panelists highlighting the tremendous benefits the rapidly emerging technology has, especially in high-volume data processing. Whether applied to user-data analysis, content moderation, AI-powered productivity tools for content creators at YouTube, AI-driven post-game analysis, or financial auditing, AI offers unparalleled efficiencies and optimized workflows in a world of ever-growing data. While the increase in productivity and possibilities is worth celebrating, awareness and attendance to its ethical implications are also necessary, for example, by considering potential guardrails for development and application. Given the sensitivity of financial data and the broad impact of mistakes in AI-powered financial transactions, Gandhi advocated for a restraint and cautious implementation with continued oversight and quality control. Transparency and communication around errors, adherence to comprehensive legal guidelines, and centralized and appropriate processes around privacy and security are equally important to ensure AI’s ethical development and implementation.

Given AI’s rapid development, the panel shared their thoughts on the future impact of AI and business, especially if the technology will replace most jobs. The reassuring response was that human knowledge and creativity will still be needed to utilize AI properly. Humans understand context, emotions, and creative thinking in a way that AI does not, at least for now. While AI will likely replace more manual labor in the future, Gandhi finds it hard to envision how it could emulate and replace the empathy and emotions humans have. To prepare for the future, Lee advised students to use all the AI tools available now, as familiarity and ability to employ them are essential when entering the job market. As Konowe pointed out, professionals of all disciplines are needed to develop and guide AI, not just engineers, so it provides ample opportunity for interdisciplinary collaboration.