AI: Closing the Gap or Deepening Inequalities?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a far-off concept confined to sci-fi novels or tech labs. It's in our homes, businesses, and daily lives, reshaping industries and the way we work.

Yet, amidst its transformative power, a critical question arises: Will AI close societal gaps or deepen existing inequalities?

This question touches on a fundamental concern—the role of ethics in AI—and demands proactive efforts to ensure that AI benefits everyone, not just the privileged few.

In today's blog, we’ll explore the socio-economic impacts of AI, the risks of exacerbating inequalities, and how a responsible, ethical approach to AI could drive inclusive growth and opportunities for all.

The Inequitable Potential of AI

When we think about AI, efficiency, automation, and innovation likely come to mind.

These are the aspects celebrated by corporations and tech enthusiasts. AI promises to revolutionise industries, from healthcare and education to finance and transport.

However, as with any revolutionary technology, it has the potential to widen the socio-economic divide between those who benefit from AI and those who are left behind.

AI has already begun to disrupt traditional employment models.

According to research, AI could replace millions of jobs across sectors, particularly low-skilled roles that are more susceptible to automation.

For instance, factory workers, retail cashiers, and even delivery drivers may find themselves displaced as AI and robotics handle repetitive tasks more efficiently and cost-effectively. This creates a future where the employment landscape becomes increasingly polarised: high-skilled workers in AI-driven roles flourish, while those without the digital competencies struggle to stay afloat.

This is why ethics must become a priority in AI development. The lack of inclusivity in AI design risks reinforcing patterns of social exclusion.

At present, AI development is driven by a select group of companies and individuals who have access to the necessary resources, education, and infrastructure. If this is left unchecked, AI could evolve into a tool that consolidates wealth and opportunities in the hands of the few, leaving the vulnerable further behind.

How Can We Address AI's Inequitable Impact?

One of the most pressing issues surrounding AI is the digital divide—the gap between those who have access to modern information and communication technologies and those who do not. This divide is exacerbated by economic disparity, geography, and education.

Those with access to technology and the skills to use it can harness AI’s benefits, while those without are left on the sidelines.

However, there are ways we can mitigate this risk:

AI for Good: Ethical Development

The development of AI must be rooted in ethical considerations. This means creating systems that don’t simply replace human workers but empower them to upskill and adapt to new opportunities. The concept of Tech for Good is central to ensuring that AI is not used merely for profit maximisation but for broader societal benefit. Ethical AI design involves integrating human-centric approaches, ensuring that AI tools are inclusive, fair, and transparent.

Digital Literacy and Education

A future powered by AI requires a workforce that is not only technologically literate but also adaptable to continuous learning. At Breakthrough Social Enterprise , we have made it our mission to focus on providing digital skills training to at-risk and underserved communities.

Education will be the greatest equaliser in a world where AI is pervasive. By delivering accessible, high-quality training in digital skills and entrepreneurship, we help individuals transition into future-proof careers that embrace the potential of AI. Offering digital literacy early on will enable these individuals to be competitive in industries driven by AI, whether that’s through remote work, coding, or digital entrepreneurship.

Government Policies and Corporate Responsibility

Governments and businesses have a key role to play in bridging the gap. Policy frameworks must be put in place to protect workers from displacement by AI and to provide avenues for reskilling.

The role of the government is crucial here; rather than viewing AI solely as a tool for economic growth, policies should ensure that AI is harnessed for social good, creating job opportunities and ensuring fair wages in emerging industries.

Corporations, too, must assume responsibility. Those at the forefront of AI development should invest in training programmes for their workers, especially those in low-skilled jobs that are most at risk of automation.

Businesses that actively seek to upskill their workforce will not only create a more equitable society but will also benefit from a more resilient and adaptable employee base.

AI as a Tool for Empowerment

While AI could potentially deepen social inequalities, it also has the power to reduce them. By proactively designing AI systems that are accessible to all, we can ensure that AI becomes a tool for empowerment. For example, AI has the capacity to deliver personalised learning experiences at scale, opening doors for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who previously lacked access to quality education. Through adaptive learning platforms and AI tutors, education can be democratised, allowing for personalised learning paths that accommodate different learning speeds and styles.

In the healthcare industry, AI can improve access to medical diagnostics and treatment for individuals in remote or underdeveloped regions. AI-powered diagnostic tools and telemedicine platforms are already making strides in providing affordable healthcare to populations that traditionally lacked access to such services. These developments show the promise of AI as an equaliser, provided that the tools are designed with inclusion in mind.

Entrepreneurship and AI: New Opportunities for Marginalised Communities

AI’s ability to disrupt traditional industries also creates new opportunities, particularly for entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds. At Breakthrough, we have recognised the importance of harnessing AI to foster entrepreneurship among at-risk individuals. Through our programmes, we provide digital skills training that empowers these individuals to create their own AI-driven businesses, whether through digital content creation, coding, or e-commerce.

Moreover, AI-powered platforms can help entrepreneurs streamline their operations, from automating customer service to optimising inventory management. By providing access to AI tools and training, we can create a generation of tech-savvy entrepreneurs who use AI to build sustainable businesses and contribute to their communities.

Shaping AI for Good

AI is here to stay, and its impact on society is undeniable. While the risks of deepening inequalities are real, we also have the opportunity to shape AI into a tool for good.

We can ensure that AI becomes an equaliser rather than a divider through ethical AI development, education, government policies, and entrepreneurship.

At Breakthrough, we are committed to harnessing AI’s potential to create opportunities for all, especially those from marginalised communities. By empowering individuals with digital skills, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial training, we can help them take ownership of their future and thrive in a world driven by AI.

Let’s work together to ensure that no one is left behind as we move towards the industries of tomorrow.