All of us probably have seen a movie, “I, Robot,” directed by Alex Proyas, in which Will Smith saves the world from a robot uprising. Seventeen years ago, when the film was released for the first time, almost no one believed that such a situation might ever occur in reality. However, the high rates of technology development show that nothing is impossible. The question of whether Artificial Intelligence (AI) is inherently evil or a gift for humanity remains debatable. However, it seems reasonable to argue that AI has both pros and cons discussed in this speech.
To begin with, AI is defined by Nilsson (2009) as a field of computer science that attempts to enhance the level of intelligence of computer systems. In other words, AI scientists’ goal is to develop methods that would enable computers to behave like humans. People use AI on a daily basis. For example, traffic cameras read license plates and notice traffic rules violations due to the installed AI system. Robot vacuum cleaners employ AI to remember the best possible routes to clean the floor, avoid hindrances, and send notifications on a smartphone. AI also enhances education efficiency by personalizing a wide range of training computer programs and mobile apps. In healthcare, AI is commonly used to make a diagnosis via analysis of data sets and suggest treatments.
Another prominent example of AI is Apple’s Siri and Microsoft’s Cortana. The popularity of these virtual assistants is caused by the fact that it is immensely convenient for users to send commands to them using nothing but a voice. These apps would not work without AI because it enables them to learn from interaction with the users. As Microsoft’s technical writer, Athima Chansanchai (2014), puts it, Cortana never stops learning. For instance, Chansanchai (2014) claims that if a user asks it about the outside temperature every day at 9 a.m., it will finally “offer that information without being asked” (para. 2). Still, no matter how tempting the apps ability to learn might seem, it raises the question of whether one day AI might become smart enough to pose a danger to humanity.
Numerous scholars and scientists are concerned with AI’s hidden potential to destroy humankind. Barrat (2013) wrote a book where he argues that AI is the last invention made by people. The greatest threat lies in attempts to create AI at the human level. That is dangerous because scientists have never faced situations like this and have little understanding of how to control such an intelligent computer system. Nonetheless, it is essential to mention that people’s brains remain under-researched. Besides, there is no consensus on how to explain hunches, emotions, and dreams. Since humans do not possess exact information on how the brain functions, it is too early to be afraid of creating an AI that would be more intelligent than people are.
At the same time, even though no AI system can surpass people in terms of mental capacity, some modern people severely suffer from it. More precisely, technological development allows entrepreneurs to optimize their production process and maximize income through the robotization of manufacturing. The study conducted by Rodgers and Freeman (2019) reveals that approximately 50 percent of workers are expected to lose their jobs in the nearest future because of automation. It is easier for businesspeople to install the necessary equipment and fire employees than to pay wages and parental leaves. The ongoing trend towards robotization implies that individuals should focus on developing such skills that could not be performed by a computer.
Another reason to be skeptical towards the application of AI is that people tend to rely on it blindly. Autopilot, another example of AI in ordinary life, has become a cause of several deadly car accidents. If those cars’ drivers were more cautious, they might have had a chance to avoid a crash and save the life. The tragic examples of accidents caused by automatic pilots illustrate the common feature of people and AI: both tend to make mistakes even in the process of following a well-thought-out plan or an algorithm.
In conclusion, it should be mentioned that AI has already become an indispensable part of human’s life. People use computer systems and devices based on AI in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and transportation, to name but a few. To some extent, people become dependent on AI because it makes life easier. In spite of all benefits that people gain from AI, it is vitally important not to forget that it might make mistakes and requires control. People should accept the fact that manual labor will sooner or later be performed by robots. Technical progress alters the established foundations, and, therefore, people should adjust themselves to the trends of modern times. Currently, there is no common opinion of whether AI is good or evil. The attitude towards AI depends only on how successfully individuals adapt to the rules of a new game played with computers and robots.
References
Barrat, J. (2013). Our final invention: Artificial intelligence and the end of the human era. Macmillan.
Chansanchai, A. (2014). Go behind-the-scenes of Cortana with Microsoft Research. Official Microsoft Blog. Web.
Nilsson, N. J. (2009). The quest for artificial intelligence. Cambridge University Press.
Rodgers, W.M. & Freeman, R. (2019). How robots are beginning to affect workers and their wages. The Century Foundation. Web.