AI Ethics, Responsibility, and the Role of Humans in the Age of AI with Dr. Joanna Bryson

In this episode of Beyond the Couch, Dr. Ernest Wayde interviews Dr. Joanna Bryson, professor of Ethics and Technology in Berlin and advisor to organizations including the UN and EU, about what “AI ethics” really means. Dr. Bryson argues it’s not coherent to call AI itself ethical. She argues that the primary concern should be whether and how humans should build and deploy AI and how it may change societies. Dr. Bryson highlights recurring concerns like bias, but stresses broader failures around accountability, surveillance, deception, and weaponization, urging users to maintain agency, verify outputs, protect data, and avoid trusting AI. Takeaways: AI Itself Is Not Ethical—Humans Are Responsible Bias Is a Major Concern—but Not the Only One Accountability Must Start With Development The Information Age Demands Critical Thinking Learning and Adaptation Are Essential Connect with Dr. Joanna Bryson bryson@hertie-school.org https://www.hertie-school.org/en/who-we-are/profile/person/bryson Connect With Us https://www.waydeai.com/ https://www.facebook.com/waydeai https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayde-ai/ info@waydeai.com Subcribe https://the-waydeai-brief.beehiiv.com/ Chapters: 00:00 What Is AI Ethics 00:23 Welcome and Guest Intro 02:06 Dr. Joanna Bryson Origin Story 05:38 From AI Research to Ethics 07:08 Ethical AI Misconceptions 09:02 Policy Failures and Liability 10:57 Beyond Bias Surveillance Risks 12:30 Everyday User Responsibility 15:23 AI and Mental Health Use 16:46 EU Rules and Bot Disclosure 17:51 Scams Surveillance and Freedom 20:30 Closing Advice and Where to Find Her