In recent times, the debate around artificial intelligence technology has become increasingly polarized, with some issuing stark warnings about the future and arguing for tighter regulations, while others highlight the benefits and stress the need to accept the technology and adapt. Here, we take a closer look at the debate around AI.
Benefits of AI Technology
When people talk about the benefits of AI, automation is quickly raised. Not only does automation allow organizations and individuals to carry out tasks rapidly, it can also lead to skill democratization. To provide a good example of this, think about a tool like a website builder with AI functionality and consider its value.
Not only does such a tool make it quick and easy to create a professional-looking website, it also makes this a realistic goal for people who do not possess specialist web design or coding skills. AI tools like this are widely available, easy to understand and can save businesses time, effort and money. Similar tools can be used for everything from language translation and graphics design, to written content creation and software development.
AI can help to level the playing field within business environments. For instance, by using AI, small businesses may be able to achieve significantly greater levels of productivity, perhaps even on par with some large businesses. As an article for Forbes explains, AI can also reduce human error and provide 24/7 support.
A growing number of businesses are starting to fully harness the power of artificial intelligence for demanding tasks, like data analysis. It is also fair to say that AI is becoming increasingly ingrained within society. The average person now has AI capabilities on their smartphone, including voice recognition and photo editing.
Downsides and Threats of AI
While the numerous benefits of AI technology are beyond question, many people have issued warnings and expressed their unease over its widespread adoption, for several key reasons.
Firstly, it is important to understand that AI poses a serious risk to many jobs. When actions can be performed quickly, accurately and automatically, on a 24/7 basis, businesses are going to use this technology in place of people. AI can pose a serious threat in areas like customer service, administration and creative fields. Automated vehicles could replace a large number of driving jobs. In fact, according to Goldman Sachs, AI could replace 300 million full-time jobs.
Some have expressed more serious fears about the long-term consequences of unregulated AI and machine learning. While AI is already revolutionizing information technology, it is also starting to revolutionize other fields, like warfare. This poses risks, especially if AI one day leads to artificial consciousness or self-aware AI systems.
There are also doubts about whether AI can ever truly replicate human ingenuity, and concerns have also been raised about deepfake technology, as well as the ways AI systems are trained and whether it constitutes plagiarism.
Conclusion
The debate around AI is characterized by strong arguments for and against its use, which is why the future of AI is likely to revolve around balance. While AI offers numerous advantages, especially in terms of automation and the democratization of skills, it needs to be used responsibly, with an awareness of some of its drawbacks and threats.
