The Hidden Cost of AI: How to Use Technology Ethically in Your Practice to Protect Black & Brown Communities

The results of my caricature prompts with Chat GPT. It features a black woman with maroon kinky curly hair dressed in yellow for endometriosis awareness.

You've probably seen the viral AI prompts flooding your social media feed this week. I'll admit, I got caught up in it too. But as I shared my AI-generated images in therapist groups, I noticed something troubling: the pushback from colleagues who knew something I didn't.

That curiosity sent me down a research rabbit hole that changed how I view AI forever.

What Nobody's Talking About

AI data centers are draining resources in Black and Brown communities across the country. In Tennessee, entire communities are running out of water and experiencing increased air pollution because these massive computing facilities require constant cooling to function. What's even worse is that some AI companies are strategically placing these facilities in poor Black neighborhoods where they're less likely to face organized resistance.

As mental health professionals and business owners, we have a responsibility to be informed consumers of the technology we use daily and be champions of social justic issues. Not having access to clean water and clean air is a huge problem that shouldn't be a concern in a developed country with so many infrastructure options that are less harmful. So, now that you are informed consumer, how do you continue to use ai ethically?

Tips for Ethical AI Use

Be Mindful of Your Digital Footprint

• Limit unnecessary AI queries and image generation

• Make your prompts specific so you need less queries for a task

• Use AI intentionally, not recreationally

• Ask yourself: "Do I actually need AI for this task?"

• Batch similar tasks to reduce overall AI usage

Choose Your Platforms Wisely

• Research the environmental impact of different AI tools

• Popular platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Perplexity have varying environmental footprints. Do your research.

• Support companies with transparent sustainability practices

• Avoid platforms with known harmful business practices

For Business Owners: Create an Ethical AI SOP

• Establish clear guidelines for when and how your team uses AI

• Include environmental considerations in your technology decisions

• Train staff on mindful AI consumption

• Regularly review and update your policies as technology evolves

Stay Informed

• Follow advocacy groups highlighting AI's impact on marginalized communities

• Educate yourself on the environmental justice issues surrounding tech infrastructure

• Share what you learn with your professional community

• Use your platform to amplify these concerns

Moving Forward with Integrity

At Cheerful Heart Mental Health Counseling, integrity and protection of Black and Brown communities are non-negotiable values. We've implemented our own AI ethics protocol, and we're committed to using technology in ways that align with our mission.

You don't have to stop using AI altogether but you do need to be a mindful consumer. Small changes in how we interact with technology can collectively make a significant difference.

What steps will you take today to use AI more ethically in your practice?

Looking for support navigating the intersection of professional ethics and personal values? At Cheerful Heart, we not only help high-achieving women integrate their values into every aspect of their lives and work, but we also offer supervision and consultation. Learn more about our services.