The recent research paper "Artificial Intelligence: Its Potential and Ethics in the Practice of Public Participation" by Morgan Boyco MCIP RPP, and Dr. Pamela Robinson MCIP RPP offers a comprehensive look at how AI can shape public participation practices. As AI tools like ChatGPT become more accessible, it's crucial to understand both their potential benefits and inherent risks. This article summarizes key findings and insights from the paper.

Understanding AI's Potential in Public Participation

The paper identifies several areas where AI can enhance public participation (P2) processes:

• Research and Planning: AI can streamline background research and planning, utilizing AI-assisted web searches and data analysis to craft more informed engagement strategies.

• Communications: Generative AI can expedite the creation of text-based content like press releases and reports, while multimodal AI tools can produce multimedia content that enhances the accessibility and engagement of communication efforts.

• Interaction and Dialogue: AI tools can support moderation and provide real-time feedback in digital engagement platforms, facilitating more effective and inclusive dialogues.

• Analysis and Decision Support: AI has the potential to analyze large volumes of community feedback and support decision-making processes in urban planning and other civic engagements.

Addressing the Risks and Ethical Considerations

Despite the promising applications, the paper does not shy away from addressing the significant risks associated with AI:

• Bias and Inaccuracy: AI systems may perpetuate biases present in their training data, leading to unfair treatment of certain groups and inaccurate information.

• Privacy and Security: The potential for AI to inadvertently leak sensitive information poses serious privacy risks.

• Overreliance on Technology: There's a concern that excessive reliance on AI could undermine human elements crucial in P2 processes, such as empathy and ethical judgment.

Ethical Framework for AI Use in Public Participation

The authors propose an ethical framework to guide P2 practitioners in responsibly integrating AI tools. Key recommendations include:

• Awareness and Accountability: Practitioners must be aware of the risks and remain accountable for the outcomes of AI tools.

• Promoting Equity: Efforts should be made to identify and mitigate biases in AI outputs to ensure equitable outcomes.

• Transparency: Practitioners should be transparent about the use of AI and open to alternative participation methods.

• Human Oversight: Decisions should always involve human judgment to prevent overautomation and preserve democratic integrity.

The Future of AI in P2

Looking ahead, the paper stresses the importance of balancing the efficiency and innovation offered by AI with the need to maintain integrity and inclusivity in public participation. As AI technologies evolve, P2 professionals must stay informed and critical of how these tools are implemented within their practices.

Conclusion

The research paper by Boyco and Robinson is a vital resource for anyone involved in public participation. It highlights the transformative potential of AI while cautioning against its unmonitored use. As we continue to integrate these technologies, maintaining a focus on ethics, equity, and human oversight will be crucial to harnessing AI's benefits without compromising the foundational values of public participation.

• Access the research paper
• Access the webinar on demand (Member’s only)

Consider joining Morgan, Pamela, and your fellow P2 professionals at the 2024 IAP2 North American Conference, taking place from October 24-26, for a pre-conference workshop on AI to share experiences, ethical quandaries, and all other big questions about AI for P2 and help lay the groundwork for building a new AI P2 community of practice.