AI, Power, and Responsibility: Using Influence for Good

In the fast-paced world of technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI), things move at lightning speed. I’ve seen it firsthand working in a major tech company, where new ideas, tools, and products seem to be developed faster than we can fully understand their impact. And although I’m in a good position to witness these breakthroughs, I often find myself asking, “Who’s actually in control of this?” It’s not a rhetorical question—it’s a real concern.

For me, AI’s promise is undeniable. It has the power to improve lives in areas as diverse as healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability. But it also brings risks, especially for communities that are already vulnerable to bias, discrimination, and underrepresentation. If we aren’t careful, AI could end up reinforcing some of the very problems it’s supposed to solve.

?I don’t have direct control over all the AI products my company builds, but I’ve come to realize something critical: I do have influence. And influence matters. Influence is about asking the right questions, raising concerns, and engaging others in thinking about the broader impact of what we’re creating. It’s a shift in perspective from “What can I control?” to “How can I shape?”

Influence vs. Control

For many people working in tech, especially those who aren’t building or coding these systems themselves, it’s easy to feel like an observer. But even if we don’t have our hands on the code, we’re still shaping the culture and direction of our work. Influence can come from setting a tone, sparking conversations, or simply asking the right questions.

Recently, I was in a conversation with a developer who was deep in the details of a new AI tool. I asked a question that seemed basic: “How will this tool work for people who have different views on privacy? Or those with less access to technology?” This simple question led to a deeper discussion about design choices, inclusivity, and accessibility. It made us all pause to think about the human side of what we were building. And that’s the power of influence—small moments that help us see beyond the technical aspects and consider the human impact.

Why Influence Matters

?AI systems today play a bigger role in our lives than many realize. They’re involved in decisions that affect our healthcare, our chances for jobs, and even our interactions with the law. While these systems have enormous potential for good, they also carry risks, particularly for those who don’t always have a seat at the table in tech. Communities that already face challenges—due to racial, economic, or social disparities—often bear the brunt when AI systems go wrong.

?Think about it this way: every bias that slips through in an AI system today could be a barrier tomorrow. If we ignore these biases now, we’re building obstacles for future generations. That’s why I believe everyone in tech—regardless of their role—has a responsibility to engage in building fair and thoughtful technology.

How to Use Influence in Tech?

Influence may feel intangible, but there are concrete ways we can use it. The following are some of the steps I believe we can take to reclaim influence and steer AI in a better direction.

?1. Ask the Tough Questions: Don’t hold back from raising ethical questions. Questions like “Who will this product serve?” or “How are we testing for bias?” are essential. By asking these questions, we can prompt teams to consider the impact of their choices on real people.

?2. Encourage Cross-Team Collaboration: In many companies, teams often work in silos. Product, engineering, design, and legal may all operate separately. But for complex issues like AI ethics, we need input from many perspectives. Encouraging collaboration across departments brings more voices to the table and helps ensure that important factors—like inclusivity and accessibility—are prioritized.

3. Champion Responsible AI Principles: It’s important to advocate for practices that promote fairness and transparency in AI. This includes ensuring data is collected and used responsibly, testing for biases, and having checks in place to catch unintended impacts. By pushing for these principles, we create a culture that prioritizes accountability.

?4. Educate and Build Empathy: Many developers and engineers don’t have malicious intentions—they’re simply focused on their technical work. But sometimes, they may not fully understand how their work impacts people outside the tech bubble. Sharing real-world examples of how biased technology harms people can build empathy and lead to more thoughtful design.

?5. Mentorship and Advocacy: Finally, we need to make space for more diverse voices in tech. Supporting those from underrepresented backgrounds, helping them navigate their careers, and advocating for their ideas is key to creating a more balanced tech landscape. When tech reflects more of the world’s diversity, it’s more likely to produce fair and inclusive outcomes.

Contributing to the Future with a Sense of Duty

Working in tech is a privilege that comes with responsibility. For me, this responsibility isn’t just about the work I do each day—it’s about thinking of the world I’m helping to shape. I want my children to grow up in a world where technology works for everyone, not just a select few. And I want marginalized communities to feel the benefits of AI, not the harm. In short, I want tech to be a force for good.

So if you’re in a similar position—wondering how to influence a field that sometimes feels beyond control—remember this: your voice has power. Whether you’re sparking a conversation, raising a concern, or mentoring someone new to the field, you’re shaping the future of AI. Influence is subtle but powerful, and it’s a tool that anyone can wield.

We all have a part to play. We’re building a world that future generations will inherit, and our choices matter. By being conscious, deliberate, and ethical in our work, we can help make sure that the technologies of tomorrow are fair, inclusive, and just.

Let’s use our influence with purpose.