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scans and OCR-generated text from those images, ethical conduct, such as truthfulness, kindness, and
which can be searched by anyone. empathy, can guide interactions on social media,
fostering positive and constructive communication.
Virtual Reality can help accurately visualize a deity’s Applying Buddhist principles, like non-harming and
mandala or ancient sacred sites. One literature review the pursuit of genuine well-being, can encourage
concludes VR as an effective innovation in mindfulness the development and utilization of AI in ways that
training for improving mental health in adults—shown benefit humanity without causing harm. These ethical
to help reduce anxiety, depression, improve sleep guidelines can aid in utilizing technology in a manner
quality, emotion regulation and mood improvement. that supports individual and collective well-being,
rather than perpetuating negative impacts. Integrating
How can Buddhist ethics guide us in our use of these principles can help foster a more mindful,
technology, such as artificial intelligence, genetic compassionate, and ethical use of technology.
engineering, and social media?
Tsepal: Many of our problems today are due to lack
Aggacitta: By integrating the following Buddhist of awareness of an ethical dimension to our actions
ethical principles we can foster a more harmonious and the effect our actions have on others. As part of
coexistence with technology and each other. the human community, we have the responsibility to
benefit that community.
● Emphasise compassion and the principle of non-
harm in the development and use of technology. Since AI systems are known to embed biases and
Ensure that it benefits humanity as a whole and discrimination, threaten human rights and contribute
alleviates suffering, rather than causing harm or to environmental degradation, strong core ethical
further inequality. values are necessary guardrails to guide developers to
● Encourage mindfulness and full awareness in ensure human rights, inclusiveness and diversity, and
technology use, which involves being aware of the environmental considerations.
impact of our actions and choices on ourselves and
others. Consciousness is one of the unique features of
● Respect individuals’ privacy and personal sentient beings, and the root of our intelligence.
boundaries, whether it is through the data you As AI and robots become more human-like in their
collect as a developer or how you engage with abilities and decision-making, can we say that they
others on social media. too have kamma?
● Cultivate equanimity in the face of the constant
influx of information and stimulation from Aggacitta: Kamma is defined as intention itself, as
technology. the moral quality of an action is determined by the
● Recognize the ecological impact of technology and intention behind it.
make efforts to reduce waste, energy consumption,
and the environmental footprint associated with its When it comes to AI and robots, it’s important to
production and disposal. distinguish between the actions of these technologies
and the intentions behind them. AI and robots are
Min Wei: Buddhist ethics can be applied to technology tools created and controlled by humans. They operate
like AI, genetic engineering and social media by based on algorithms and programming, devoid of
encouraging users to employ these tools mindfully and consciousness, intentions, or moral agency. They
compassionately. Mindfulness can help individuals can perform actions but do not have the capacity for
maintain a balanced relationship with technology, intention or consciousness.
avoiding excessive use or dependence. Practicing