Cultivating Ethical AI Practices: The Impact of AI Ethics Education on Responsible AI

Abstract

The rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies across sectors has intensified the demand for ethical governance and responsible AI development. However, the integration of ethical instruction within AI-related academic programs remains inconsistent. This study investigates the impact of AI ethics education on students’ ethical knowledge, attitudes, and intentions to engage in Responsible AI practices. Utilizing a quantitative, cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 210 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in computer science and engineering programs across three universities. The results indicate that exposure to AI ethics education is significantly associated with increased self-reported ethical knowledge and stronger behavioral intentions to practice Responsible AI. Moreover, ethical knowledge emerged as a key mediator in the relationship between education and intention, suggesting that both direct and indirect effects are at play. These findings underscore the critical role of ethics education in cultivating a foundational ethical mindset among emerging AI professionals. The study contributes empirical evidence to ongoing discussions around curriculum design, ethical literacy, and policy frameworks aimed at ensuring the development and deployment of AI technologies in alignment with societal values.