Welcome to the digital revolution in the world of non-governmental organisations (NGOs)! Artificial intelligence (AI) has made its way into every sector with full force, and the world of NGO work is no exception. Chatbots, AI-assisted decision-making, predictive analytics, image recognition - just to name a few. The possibilities of AI are endless, but what is its role in NGO work?
In the NGO world, the use of technology can open new doors, but at the same time, it can also emphasize inequality. Understanding of rights varies in society, and regulation of digital rights and services is complex and unclear. This can affect access to services, and some may not know how to use them effectively.
Although AI has been in use for a long time, its use in the NGO world still raises fear and uncertainty. NGO work has traditionally relied on human interaction and traditional decision-making, but the rapid development of AI challenges this traditional way of working. Some fear that AI will replace humans in NGO work and take away jobs, while others fear that AI will reduce personal interaction and weaken human connection. It is important to recognize these fears and ensure that AI is used in NGO work responsibly and in a human-centered way to strengthen and bring new opportunities to NGO work, not to replace it.
Technological development has already had a positive impact on the work of NGOs. For example, chatbots like ChatGPT can serve as excellent brainstorming tools, helping to solve problems quickly and efficiently. Do you want to brainstorm different ideas for a peer support group? Are your ideas running out? Do you want someone to give feedback on a text? Do you want a draft for a social media post? In these situations, ChatGPT or other AI can be an excellent tool.
In addition, image editing programs can facilitate the work of NGOs in producing campaign materials. With image editing programs, it is possible to quickly and easily create professional graphics, which makes the production of visual material easier. Examples of this include Canva’s Image AI Image Generator and Magic Write.
When used correctly, AI can be an excellent tool in NGO work. It can help ease the workload of employees and help NGOs make more efficient decisions. It is important to remember that technological development must happen responsibly, with the well-being and privacy of individuals always being a top priority.
We also should recognise that AI also has its weaknesses. There are always risks associated with the use of AI, which should be monitored and minimized. One of the biggest concerns is its ethical use and potential impact on privacy. AI is also still in its early stages, and its development requires a lot of research and resources. AI is just a tool that does not replace human participation and human decision-making.
Overall, AI can be a valuable tool in NGO work, as long as its use is guided by a clear ethical framework and the goal is to benefit society. It is also important to note that the use of AI requires additional training and resources from NGOs to fully utilize its potential.
NGOs should be open and proactive in exploring and utilizing the possibilities of AI, while also being careful about its potential harmful effects. With a balanced approach, AI can become a useful tool in NGO work and help promote social development in many different areas.
The author is the manager of the DigiUp project at Moniheli ry. The DigiUp project promotes the digitalisation of multicultural NGOs by providing digital support to NGOs and lobbying for digital support among those who develop it.
Read more: www.moniheli.fi/en/digiup
