Positive AI: Key Challenges for Designing Wellbeing-aligned Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the world as we know it, implying that it is up to the current generation to use the technology for ''good.'' We argue that making good use of AI constitutes aligning it with the wellbeing of conscious creatures. However, designing wellbeing-aligned AI systems is difficult. In this article, we investigate a total of twelve challenges that can be categorized as related to a lack of knowledge (how to contextualize, operationalize, optimize, and design AI for wellbeing), and lack of motivation (designing AI for wellbeing is seen as risky and unrewarding). Our discussion can be summarized into three key takeaways: 1) our understanding of the impact of systems on wellbeing should be advanced, 2) systems should be designed to promote and sustain wellbeing intentionally, and 3), above all, Positive AI starts with believing that we can change the world for the better and that it is profitable