As a scientist, I am deeply concerned about the unbalanced reporting that often surrounds news stories related to artificial intelligence (AI). A situation that has created unnecessary hysteria and, unfortunately, led to the proliferation of inaccurate data. Although, it is true that AI technology, in its present form, is far from perfect and cannot create a utopia, it is however not true to state that AI technology is the beginning of the end for mankind [1].
Notwithstanding, it is important to acknowledge the challenges posed by AI, it must also be understood that it is equally essential to recognize the numerous benefits AI is bringing to our lives. Which is why constructive discussions around AI's ethical considerations, data privacy, and potential job displacement are crucial. Moreover, we must also accept that the development and deployment of AI technology are vital if we are to be propelled to our next evolutionary step [2].
Unfortunately, due to a lack of balanced reporting, a technology that has the potential to bring immense benefits may be unnecessarily curtailed—an injustice that will affect all of us[3]. So, let us examine some of the positive contributions AI can make to our lives:
- Automation of Repetitive Tasks: AI has already enabled the automation of repetitive and mundane tasks, increasing efficiency, productivity, and cost savings in industries such as farming, manufacturing, and warehousing. This liberation of humanity from monotonous tasks will allow us to pursue more creative, dynamic, and strategic endeavours [4].
- Informed Decision Making: AI systems can analyse vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and generate insights to support decision-making processes. By considering numerous variables and scenarios, AI can aid in making more accurate and informed decisions. The medical industry, for instance, benefits from AI's ability to assist in diagnostics and treatment planning [5].
- Optimization and Streamlining: Machine learning and robotic process automation can optimize workflows, streamline operations, and accelerate tasks, resulting in significant improvements in efficiency and productivity across various industries [6].
- Enhanced Customer Service: AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can provide 24/7 support, answer customer inquiries, and handle routine interactions efficiently. They can handle a large volume of requests simultaneously, ensuring prompt and consistent customer service [7].
- Revolutionizing Healthcare: AI has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by improving diagnostics, treatment planning, and patient care. It can assist in analysing medical images, predicting disease outcomes, and recommending personalized treatment options [7].
- Promoting Safety: AI can enhance safety in various domains. For example, in autonomous vehicles, AI systems can analyse sensor data, detect potential hazards, and make split-second decisions to prevent accidents. Similarly, AI-powered robots in manufacturing can perform hazardous tasks, reducing risks to human workers [4].
- Enhanced Data Analysis: AI algorithms can process large volumes of data and extract meaningful insights, helping businesses and researchers identify trends, detect anomalies, and gain a deeper understanding from complex datasets [5].
- Predictive Analytics: AI utilizes historical data to make predictions and forecasts, benefiting areas such as demand forecasting, fraud detection, risk assessment, and predictive maintenance, enabling proactive decision-making [8].
- Exploration of Complex Environments: AI-powered robots and drones can navigate and explore challenging environments, including deep oceans, space, and disaster-stricken areas. These machines can perform tasks that are dangerous or inaccessible to humans, expanding our knowledge and capabilities [9].
While Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers numerous benefits, it also comes with certain disadvantages and challenges. And it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the potential risks associated with AI in particular:
- Job Loss: As AI continues to advance, it is likely to replace a significant number of human jobs. This could lead to a rise in unemployment rates and social unrest as people struggle to find meaningful employment[10].
- Bias: AI systems heavily rely on the data they are trained on, which can be inherently biased. This bias can then be reflected in the decisions and actions taken by AI systems, resulting in discrimination against certain groups of people[11].
- Security Risks: AI systems are not immune to hacking and misuse. If exploited, these systems can be used for malicious purposes, resulting in data breaches, financial losses, and even physical harm[12].
- Loss of Control: With increasing autonomy, AI systems have the potential to operate independently, making decisions without human intervention. This loss of human control could have unforeseen and potentially disastrous consequences[13].
- Lack of Human Judgment and Creativity: While AI excels at processing vast amounts of data and making logical decisions, it often lacks the nuanced judgment, intuition, and creativity that humans possess. This can limit its effectiveness in tasks requiring contextual understanding, emotional intelligence, and creative problem-solving[14].
- Lack of Transparency: Certain AI algorithms, particularly deep learning models, can be complex and difficult to interpret. This lack of transparency poses challenges in understanding how AI arrives at its decisions, eroding trust, particularly in critical areas like healthcare or finance[14].
Addressing these disadvantages requires a comprehensive approach that includes ethical guidelines, responsible AI development, transparent practices, and policies to address potential societal impacts. Striking a balance between the benefits of AI and addressing its drawbacks is crucial for its responsible and beneficial integration into our lives.
A situation that Center for AI Safety (CAIS) seeks to raise awareness of. An organisation established in 2017, this group of researchers and entrepreneurs aims to reduce societal-scale risks associated with AI. Unfortunately, their objective and ethos often get lost in sensational coverage that tends to depict AI as an imminent threat reminiscent of a “Terminator” scenario.
In several open letters and publicity attempts CAIS has highlighted AI’s need for the correct security and safeguarding requirements. Requirements, which they believe could be achieved via AI community and regulator collaboration.
In conclusion, while AI holds tremendous potential for positive impact, it is essential to acknowledge and address the associated risks. Adopting a comprehensive approach that includes ethical guidelines, responsible AI development, transparency, and policies to mitigate societal impacts is vital. Striking a balance between harnessing the benefits of AI and addressing its drawbacks is crucial for its responsible integration into our lives.
As a scientist and an entrepreneur, I have spent the last five years of my life working on an IoT consensus protocol that utilises AI technology. Which is why I am concerned by the panic that is being generated around AI. Because such panic runs the risk of stifling our next technological evolutionary step.
References
[1] https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-65760449).
[2] Yeasmin, S., 2019, May. Benefits of artificial intelligence in medicine. In 2019 2nd International Conference on Computer Applications & Information Security (ICCAIS) (pp. 1-6). IEEE.
[3] Zhai, Y., Yan, J., Zhang, H. and Lu, W., 2020. Tracing the evolution of AI: conceptualization of artificial intelligence in mass media discourse. Information discovery and delivery, 48(3), pp.137-149.
[4] Shaheen, M.Y., 2021. AI in Healthcare: medical and socio-economic benefits and challenges. ScienceOpen Preprints.
[5] Duan, Y., Edwards, J.S. and Dwivedi, Y.K., 2019. Artificial intelligence for decision making in the era of Big Data–evolution, challenges and research agenda. International journal of information management, 48, pp.63-71.
[6] Hirayama, J., Akitomi, T., Kudo, F., Miyamoto, A. and Mine, R., 2016. Case Study of Improving Productivity in Warehouse Work. Hitachi Review, 65(6), p.135.
[7] Daqar, M.A.A. and Smoudy, A.K., 2019. The role of artificial intelligence on enhancing customer experience. International Review of Management and Marketing, 9(4), p.22.
[8] Wang, H., Liu, Y., Zhou, B., Li, C., Cao, G., Voropai, N. and Barakhtenko, E., 2020. Taxonomy research of artificial intelligence for deterministic solar power forecasting. Energy Conversion and Management, 214, p.112909.
[9} Fox, J. and Das, S., 2000. Safe and sound. Artificial intelligence in hazardous applications, 307.
[10] Rinehart, W. and Edwards, A., 2019, July. Understanding Job Loss Predictions from artificial Intelligence. In American Action Forum. Org.
[11] Silberg, J. and Manyika, J., 2019. Notes from the AI frontier: Tackling bias in AI (and in humans). McKinsey Global Institute, 1(6).
[12] Hartmann, K. and Steup, C., 2020, May. Hacking the AI-the next generation of hijacked systems. In 2020 12th International Conference on Cyber Conflict (CyCon) (Vol. 1300, pp. 327-349). IEEE.
[13] Ilachinski, A., 2017. Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy: Opportunities and Challenges.
[14] Daneshjou, R., Smith, M.P., Sun, M.D., Rotemberg, V. and Zou, J., 2021. Lack of transparency and potential bias in artificial intelligence data sets and algorithms: a scoping review. JAMA dermatology, 157(11), pp.1362-1369.