AI Accountability

AI Ethics Student Organization Founder Ben Shar Discusses Societal Impacts of AI Growth in Business and Beyond

First-year University of Louisville finance student Ben Shar believes in the power of AI and our responsibility to develop safeguards to protect ourselves amidst exponential technological growth. Committed to developing a think tank of like-minded students who care about brainstorming ideas and strategizing plans to ensure the safe and ethical use of LLMs such as ChatGPT, Shar launched a new group, AI Ethics, at the beginning of the fall 2024 semester. He is in the process of having the organization approved as an official UofL registered student organization (RSO) in the hopes of furthering the group’s reach across campus.

Executive Director of Undergraduate Programs Raymond Green, EdD, echoed the importance of students getting involved with an AI-focused organization. “Students need multiple sockets to plug into. It’s only when students are plugged in that their fullest potential is met. Having a group focused on a topic as timely as AI is crucial for their future success and the success and relevance of the College of Business.”

We spoke with Shar about his passion for AI and why this newest RSO offering can benefit not just business learners but all UofL students.

College of Business: What is your role in the new AI Ethics registered student organization (RSO)?

Ben Shar: I am the president and founder of the organization. Overall, my job is to make sure that there are no data silos across committees, to synthesize data across committees for strategic analysis and to handle external opportunities, including but not limited to potential satellite chapters, outreach to professors and professionals, and partnerships.

College of Business: How did the idea to create an AI Ethics RSO evolve, and who was instrumental in helping to launch this organization?

Ben Shar: The idea to start an AI Ethics RSO began before I got to the University of Louisville. 

Prior to getting here, I had started a nonprofit initiative called AIristocracy that was specifically aimed at actors’ rights regarding the usage of AI. Then, once I got here, I started to talk to new friends, and I slowly realized that there were people who would be interested in participating in similar activism but more focused on AI in general. That external support, along with my Vice President Tiago sharing similar ambitions as me, motivated me to start the organization and to set ambitious goals for the organization.

College of Business: Why do you believe this RSO is a necessary organization for the College of Business and for its students?

Ben Shar: Technically, you do not have to be in the College of Business to be in the RSO, as it is a general RSO. I am still in the process of getting it fully approved, but I [believe] that by the time this Q&A is released with the newsletter, we will be a full-fledged RSO. I believe that it is a necessary organization because, in my opinion, the dangers associated with AI pose just as much of a risk to humanity as things such as nuclear weapons and climate change, and there is zero to no regulation regarding AI and safety checks for AI models. Therefore, I believe that championing a place to discuss and lobby, not only within Louisville but nationally amongst other colleges as well, will inspire politicians to make change.

College of Business: What activities and events can students expect from the AI Ethics group?

Ben Shar: We have seven committees, which range from financial committees to events planning to education and research, so there is a wide range of activities that our group is going to host. We plan to work with local institutions to host educational workshops about the dangers of AI, run educational events here at UofL, sponsor and plan safe AI hackathons, and much more.

College of Business: Why would you encourage students to join your group?

Ben Shar: I would encourage students to join because AI is going to inevitably be the technology of the future. Therefore, it is super important to make sure that we, as the young people who are going to be making up a large portion of the workforce in the future, know not only how to use it but also how to keep it safe.

College of Business: Where can interested students find more information about and get started with this group?

Ben Shar: They can find more information by reaching out to me on Instagram @benhshar, Snapchat @benhshar and email at b0shar07@louisville.edu. They can also find out more by visiting our website, aisefglobal.org, or by following our new Instagram [account], @uoflaisef, and reaching out there.

Are you an undergraduate College of Business student searching for the right organization for you? Check out how you can get involved with AI Ethics or another group by visiting https://business.louisville.edu/about/cob-student-life/student-organizations/

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About the UofL College of Business:

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