Be my AI: micro-volunteering in the time of ChatGPT (Mukhopadhyay, 2023)

Welcome to Revise and Resubmit. In today’s episode, we’re diving into the intersection of technology, ethics, and social enterprise with an inspiring story that could reshape how we think about volunteering in the digital age. Imagine creating a platform that not only changes lives but does so at the intersection of humanity and technology. That’s exactly what Hans Jørgen Wiberg did when he founded Be My Eyes—a micro-volunteering platform that connects blind and visually impaired individuals with sighted volunteers. Today, we explore the paper 'Be My AI—Micro-Volunteering in the Time of ChatGPT,' authored by Mayukh Mukhopadhyay, and published in the Journal of Information Technology Teaching Cases on September 19, 2023. The case study takes us through the evolution of this platform, its challenges, and its transformations in a world now shaped by generative AI. What happens when a social enterprise rooted in human connection meets the power of artificial intelligence? Can you balance financial sustainability and social impact, all while embracing new tech? We'll dive deep into how the founder struggled with this balance and how technological advancements, like ChatGPT, disrupted and reshaped the business model. This case goes beyond just entrepreneurship—it’s about innovation, ethical dilemmas, and the future of social enterprises in a tech-driven world. So, what happens when AI steps in to help where human connection once stood? Will it enhance the mission or blur the lines between technology and humanity? Let’s find out together. And finally, a big thank you to the Association for Information Technology Trust and Sage UK for making this episode possible through their publication of this thought-provoking case. Reference Mukhopadhyay, M. (2023). Be my AI—micro-volunteering in the time of ChatGPT. Journal of Information Technology Teaching Cases, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/20438869231200283