AI Ethics in Appalachian Communities
Posted on April 30, 2025 by Horse Creek AI
Artificial intelligence is making its way into schools, nonprofits, and small businesses across Appalachia — and for good reason. The right tools can automate boring tasks, improve decision-making, and free up time. But with all the benefits come real ethical questions, especially for communities that value trust, transparency, and human connection.
Who's Building the AI — and Who’s Affected?
Most AI tools are created by large tech companies that don’t always understand rural life. That matters. An AI tool trained on urban or corporate data might make assumptions that don’t reflect Appalachian communities. For example, it might flag a grant application as risky simply because it comes from a rural ZIP code. Bias in = bias out.
If you're using AI to make decisions that affect real people — like hiring, awarding resources, or grading students — you have a responsibility to ask: “Is this tool fair?”
Transparency Builds Trust
AI shouldn’t be a black box. If you’re a school administrator, nonprofit leader, or small business owner using AI, make sure your staff and community understand:
- What the tool is doing
- What data it’s using
- What decisions it helps you make
Transparency isn’t just an ethical choice — it’s a practical one. It helps your team buy in, and it protects your organization if something goes wrong.
Avoiding the Automation Trap
AI is great at speeding things up, but it’s not always right. Don’t let automation replace critical thinking. Tools like ChatGPT or Zapier can save you time, but they need human guidance to stay on track. The goal isn’t to replace your team — it’s to support them.
What Ethical AI Looks Like
Ethical AI means asking hard questions before adopting new tools. It means prioritizing equity, privacy, and accountability. For Appalachian communities, it also means protecting the values that make your organization or town special: honesty, community voice, and care for others.