Trustworthy AI. Before we explore the importance of…

Before we explore the importance of trust in artificial intelligence (AI), we should first consider what is meant by the word “trust.” We commonly use this word when discussing people and things, but we rarely think to define or explain it because it is something we feel deep inside ourselves. Of course, we can — and do when we believe it is necessary — provide reasons why we trust someone or something, but in the end, it is something we feel more than we think about rationally.

While considering this matter, I came across one of Merriam-Webster’s definitions of trust: “Assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something.” This definition rings true to me, and I believe it applies to AI and the implications of its use.

But what do we specifically mean by “trustworthy AI”? I wholeheartedly agree with IBM’s explanation of this concept: “Trustworthy AI drives business transformation with responsible AI solutions that address human needs, safety, and privacy.”

To me, this description captures the essence of trust as well as the Merriam-Webster definition. They both suggest that to experience trust is to believe something is reliable and unlikely to bring us harm. In other words, it is the feeling of having a safety net that we can fall into and avoid getting hurt.

AI, machine learning and data have the tremendous power to ease many of the daily challenges that we face in our lives and work. AI applications often work unnoticed behind the scenes. Nonetheless, they do whatever they are programmed for as well as possible. In many cases, this will be faster and better than human capabilities.

I most appreciate AI when it augments human work and makes us stronger or more effective; when it performs tasks that we do not want to do or struggle to do, thereby freeing us to enjoy the activities we are good at and like. Remember how the introduction of the electronic spreadsheet did not make accountants or statisticians obsolete but instead gave them numerical “super-powers” that made their work easier and better? In many ways, AI does the same. It empowers people and businesses in their day-to-day activities.

However, we all know that our trust in someone or something can be shaken if we feel let down, and it is often hard for trust to regain its strong, magical power after that.

AI companies need to understand the trust placed in them by users of their technology. People can live with most AI disappointments — and, let’s face it, these will happen while the technology advances — on the condition that they are not the result of deliberate action or abuse, and as long as AI makes things easier and better overall.

Though we do not often think about it, there is no real way for us to avoid leaving a digital data footprint in a digitalized world.