AI-Generated Comics: Enhancing Public Engagement and Ethical Awareness in Bioethics

This chapter explores the innovative use of AI-generated comicsAI-generated comics to engage the public in discussions about bioethical issues, particularly in the context of emerging technologies like human germline gene editing. The concept of “Ethics by Design” (EbD)Ethics by Design (EbD), similar to “PrivacyPrivacy by Design” (PbD) under the GDPRGeneral Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), is examined as a proactive approach to embedding ethical considerations into the design and development of technologies. By leveraging AI tools to create visually compelling and narratively rich comics, bioethicists can simplify complex scientific concepts and ethical dilemmas, making them accessible to a wider audience. This democratization of information fosters broader public understanding and facilitates more inclusive and informed discussions about the ethical implications of new technologies. The chapter discusses the methodology of creating AI-generated comicsAI-generated comics, including the challenges and opportunities this approach presents. Key challenges include maintaining quality consistency, creative control, and addressing legal and ethical concerns. However, the benefits in terms of efficiencyEfficiency, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility are significant, allowing for the rapid production of educational materials that can be disseminated widely across diverse demographics. A case study, “The Artist,” is presented to illustrate the practical application of AI-generated comicsAI-generated comics in public engagementPublic engagement. This sci-fi comic, used in a public “Dine-and-Draw” event, facilitated discussions on bioethical issues such as consentConsent, autonomy, identity, and the exploitation of AI. The interactive format encouraged participants to explore utopian and dystopian endings, highlighting the ethical complexities of technological advancements. The chapter concludes that AI-generated comicsAI-generated comics represent a powerful tool for fostering ethical awareness and deliberationDeliberation. They provide an engaging platform for exploring bioethical issues, enabling communities to proactively engage with and influence the ethical trajectory of technological advancements. By incorporating feedback from public engagementPublic engagement studies and collaborating with experts, AI-generated comicsAI-generated comics can enhance the relevance and resonance of bioethical discourse, ultimately contributing to a more ethically aware and engaged society.