Over the past few decades, artificial intelligence has been taking over our world at a rapid pace. AI chatbots, deep fakes and facial recognition technology–the list goes on and on. AI’s pattern recognition and application make it an efficient tool in several areas, from medicine to agriculture to simple recreation. But what really lies beneath this intricacy, and what are its implications for our future?
AI is deemed a valuable resource by many industries in terms of economic and social welfare.
In the medical field, AI’s machine learning algorithms are designed to accurately detect diseases and cancers in their initial stages. In addition, it is used for the analysis of medical images such as MRIs, X-rays and CT scans. AI has the potential to improve drug treatment and patient outcomes surpassing human capacity while saving money. As detailed by a report by McKinsey and Harvard, AI can save $360 billion per year in the United States alone.
An increasing number of businesses have been using AI chatbots for managing online customer service. This practice is more efficient since chatbots have faster response times and are available at all times, not just during working hours. Positive chatbots increase customer loyalty and cut down on labor costs.
AI is also used in several ways to meet the growing demand for crops. It provides weather forecasts to formulate schedules for planting and identifies the ideal crops to grow. Other AI programs assist in pest control and evaluate the pH and conductivity of soil. These systems allow for crops to be harvested faster and more sustainably.
On the flip side, the use of AI is an extremely controversial topic–especially generative AI.
At the end of February 2024, Google received heavy backlash for Gemini, its generative AI chatbot. In response to users requesting images of historical events and positions, the program inaccurately displayed people of color. One example is when Gemini depicted a pope, who would traditionally be a white male, as a black woman, offending some individuals.
AI programs have also been using intellectual property as input without permission or compensation. The intellectual property includes essays, digital art and photographs. This has raised questions of whether or not this is moral. Legal issues regarding copyright infringement also arise when content is produced by AI. This has left a number of people devastated, with some even filing lawsuits.
Furthermore, it is speculated that AI will absorb the jobs of millions, leading them to one of two scenarios: gaining universal basic income or falling prey to rising disparities in wealth. It may not be long before society experiences such an outcome–some scientists say it is only 30 years away. They seek to create “artificial general intelligence,” which is capable of executing all kinds of tasks more effectively than humans can.
While some argue that AI will replace us and others that it will only assist us, AI has found its place in our environment. From the GPS found in cars to recommendations on Amazon, it is becoming an irrefutable part of our culture and daily life and it seems like it is here to stay.
