How Artificial Intelligence is Changing the World.
Briefly Exploring The Risks and Benefits of AI.
Artificial intelligence (AI) was created by John McCarthy. In 1955, as a computer science professor, John assembled a group of researchers for a summer conference. The objective:
"The study is to proceed on the basis of the conjecture that every aspect of learning or any other feature of intelligence can in principle be so precisely described that a machine can be made to simulate it."
In other words, Artificial Intelligence is the ability of machines to perform tasks usually done by humans.
John McCarthy also developed LISP in 1958, a computer language that is still used for AI today.
credits: Standford University
The Cool
Artificial Intelligence can assist us with repetitive tasks, reduce accidents, and explore new ideas before investing heavily.
Can you figure out who the person above is? AI created a portrait of Michael Jackson that depicts how he would have looked today if he was still alive and hadn't undergone surgery. That's a lovely thought idea. I see how this could help bridge the gap in families who never got a chance to meet a loved one. Even though AI is not human, it can touch our hearts and minds.
AI is used in a variety of ways in the transportation industry. Tesla's autopilot system, which allows the vehicle to drive, park, switch lanes and other commands, is powered by AI. It is emphasized that drivers should not sleep or jump to the back seat, but rather monitor the vehicle.
The Bad
Now for the bad news. On the weekend, I saw a post regarding kids using AI to write essays. This is the kind of situation where you're not sure whether to be angry or laugh. On the one hand, it's ingenious. Work smarter rather than harder. But, on the other hand, what will be in one’s head if the AI does all of the work? Writing enables you to think clearly. You can't have a strong backbone and make a meaningful contribution to the world if you can't express and think for yourself.
Many people all over the world have little faith in technology. One impediment to AI in healthcare is the belief that removing humans from a process will also remove important attributes such as compassion and empathy. Another issue is that the more we rely on technology, the greater the risk of systems being compromised through hacking or structural failure.
The Conclusion
AI is here to stay, and that’s ok. We can use it to solve real-world problems in healthcare, education, and transportation. However, it should not be used to replace thinking. We should also be mindful of the potential risks as we remove humans and replace them with machines. Never underestimate the significance of your ability to think for yourself.