Is AI a mind on steroids?

We’re living through a moment shaped by astonishing technological change. AI is not just transforming industries—it’s reshaping the very way we interact, learn, and make decisions.

But as much as we marvel at what these systems can do, this is also a time to reflect on what they’re learning from us—intentionally or not.

Like guiding someone you care about, you'd want them to grow with clarity, care, and values. Every click, every prompt, every interaction—leaves an imprint.

This article is part of a personal journey. I wrote it to invite reflection, open dialogue, and amplify the voices of those who’ve spent years advocating for a more human-centered, ethical approach to AI.

And because awareness alone isn’t enough, I launched a visual campaign—AI on Steroids—to bring this message into a space more people can see and feel.

Shaping Our Future: AI, a Mind on Steroids

Absorbing knowledge at lightning speed and reshaping the world every day. Its power is vast, its reach nearly limitless. But even in its complexity, AI remains a reflection of us. It learns from the data we feed it, from the values we encode into systems, from the tone of our voices, and the intent behind our words.

It mirrors our kindness, our creativity, and our empathy. But it also mirrors our fears, our biases, and our divisions.
That’s why the choices we make—what we post, what we reward, what we ignore—matter more than ever. AI isn’t just learning from data; it’s learning from us.

We find ourselves in a time of urgency. AI is no longer a distant idea or a futuristic tool. It is here, woven into our lives. Some have adopted it earlier than others, but its presence has become a norm. In the rush to adapt, to innovate, to keep up, we feed it constantly—often without filters, often without pause.

But this urgency is exactly why we must be intentional. Because AI is still learning. And right now, we humans still have influence over what it learns. Each of us, in our daily lives, has the power to teach AI what matters. Not through grand gestures, but in small, constant acts. We are, all of us, tutors to something bigger than we can fully see.

We use devices. We share content. We type messages and speak commands. We interact—directly or indirectly—with AI systems every day. And every one of those moments adds up.

The future of AI isn’t fixed—it’s shaped by all of us acting as tutors and mentors. Every interaction, no matter how small, is a chance to guide AI toward the values we cherish. From children in classrooms to elders sharing wisdom, we all play a part in teaching AI what it means to be human. Together, our collective efforts—through countless minor moments—can create a powerful, lasting impact on the kind of intelligence AI becomes.

Solutions: Navigating the Complex Path to Ethical AI

The quest for ethical AI is far from straightforward. The path ahead is difficult and murky because the AI ecosystem is vast and opaque—decision-making often happens behind closed doors within powerful corporations and governments. Transparency is limited; many AI models, data sources, and training processes are proprietary or secretive, making it hard for the public or even regulators to fully understand how these systems work or how decisions are made.

Moreover, the interests shaping AI’s development are diverse and sometimes conflicting: profit motives, national security concerns, political agendas, and competitive pressures often overshadow ethical considerations. This complex mix creates a landscape where progress toward responsible AI can be slow, inconsistent, or even compromised.

Yet, despite these challenges, individuals and communities are not powerless. Public awareness campaigns, activism, ethical leadership, and consumer demand can—and already do—shape the conversation around AI’s future. By educating ourselves and pushing for transparency, we add crucial pressure on institutions to act responsibly. Grassroots movements and expert alliances amplify voices that demand AI be developed and governed with humanity’s best interests at heart.

🌍 AI Mirrors Us—But With Amplification

AI is not just a passive learner—it is a mirror with memory. It absorbs what humanity creates—across all cultures, languages, ethics, and eras—and projects back what it has seen.

If we flood the internet with fear, division, and hate, models reflect that. If we fill it with creativity, compassion, and collaboration, models reflect that too.

Leading Organizations and Initiatives Shaping Ethical AI

Here are some key players actively working to steer AI toward a positive future—complete with recommended videos to deepen your understanding:

1. Center for Humane Technology
   Mission: To realign technology with humanity’s best interests.
   Website: humanetech.com
   🎥: Why AI Is Our Ultimate Test and Greatest Invitation | Tristan Harris
   In this recent TED Talk, Tristan Harris discusses the critical choices we face in AI development and the profound impact these decisions will have on humanity's future.

2. Future of Life Institute (FLI)
   Mission: To steer transformative technologies toward benefiting life and away from risks.
   Website: futureoflife.org
   🎥 How to Get Empowered, not Overpowered, By Artificial Intelligence | Max Tegmark
   Although a few years old, Max Tegmark's insights remain pertinent, offering guidance on harnessing AI's potential responsibly.

3. AI Now Institute
   Mission: To study AI’s social implications and promote accountability.
   Website: ainowinstitute.org
   🎥 Excavating "Ground Truth" in AI with Kate Crawford
   Kate Crawford delves into the complexities of AI training data and the socio-political implications of how "ground truth" is established in machine learning.

4. Distributed Artificial Intelligence Research Institute (DAIR)
   Mission: To center marginalized communities in AI research and development.
   Website: dair-institute.org
   🎥 AI Called You A What? | Dr. Timnit Gebru - Challenging Biases in AI
   Dr. Gebru explores the challenges of bias in AI systems and emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in AI development.

5. EqualAI
   Mission: To reduce unconscious bias and promote responsible AI governance.
   Website: equalai.org
   🎥 Reggie Townsend, SAS, and Miriam Vogel, EqualAI
   A conversation focusing on ethical AI practices and the role of organizations in promoting responsible AI usage.

6. Trustworthy AI Explained – TAILOR Network Series
   Mission: Promoting trustworthy and ethical AI through frameworks, education, and practical guidance.
   Website: ethikon.ai
   🎥 Trustworthy AI Explained
   This series provides insights into building AI systems that are ethical, fair, and trustworthy.

7. Association of AI Ethicists
   Mission: To support AI ethicists and advocate ethical AI practices worldwide.
   Website: ethicists.ai
   🎥 Meet the 'AI Ethicists' – Insights from responsible AI practitioners
   A discussion highlighting the perspectives of AI ethicists on current challenges and best practices in the field.

8. Ethic.AI
   Mission: Consulting to help organizations develop ethical AI frameworks.
   Website: ethic-ai.org
   🎥 How I'm fighting bias in algorithms | Joy Buolamwini
   Joy Buolamwini shares her journey in addressing algorithmic bias and advocating for equitable AI systems.

9. Algorithmic Justice League (AJL)
   Mission: To raise awareness about bias and discrimination in AI.
   Website: ajl.org
   🎥 How I'm Fighting Bias in Algorithms | Joy Buolamwini | TED
   This is the most recognized and relevant recent video from AJL’s founder and aligns with the topic well.

10. CLAIRE (Confederation of Laboratories for Artificial Intelligence Research in Europe)
    Mission: To strengthen European AI research with ethical principles.
    Website: claire-ai.org
    🎥 Europe's Moonshot Ambitions for AI: How to do it
    An exploration of Europe's strategic initiatives to advance AI research and ensure its alignment with societal values.

11. International Association for Safe and Ethical AI (IASEAI)
    Mission: To promote safe and ethical AI through research and policy advocacy.
    (Website currently not publicly available)
    🎥 The AI path we're on is insane—but not inevitable | Tristan Harris
    A compelling talk that challenges the current trajectory of AI development and advocates for a more thoughtful approach.
    
    
    
    
    
    

🖜 Final Thought

We are already feeding AI—every day, with every interaction. The question isn’t whether it’s growing fast—it’s how we choose to guide that growth. Like any powerful enhancement, it demands wisdom, not passivity.

AI is learning from us every second. And that means we have a say. Let’s make those choices count. Let’s teach it to see the best in who we are—and in who we hope to be.