Introduction
Advancements in technology have helped human beings ease their social and economic activities. While technological adoption can be complicated, advanced mechanisms such as AI positively impact communication, transport, and medicine, among other crucial societal institutions. “In the Age of AI” by Frontline PBS presents the impact of AI in entertainment, marketing, and financial transactions, among others. AI technology remains a hallmark in human society and helps conduct complicated activities such as human identification. Therefore, AI remains a significant technology in humanity that has transformed various industries.
AI and Human Society
The film “In the Age of AI” exhibits the importance of AI in transforming society. According to the documentary producers, AI technology will fundamentally and drastically shape human society for various reasons. First, AI will transform human society since it has simplified complex processes. AI has been adopted by various giant corporations in China and the world at large to transform communication, fiscal transactions, and processing, among other activities. The gaming industry has benefitted from AI through the development of algorithms that test the limit of human intelligence (Frontline PBS 5:30-5:58). Second, the technology has led to a political rift between superpower countries, the U.S. and China. Consequently, the two countries have taken strategic steps to outdo each other and improve the livelihoods of its citizens through technology. The producers believe that AI will significantly shape human society because it has simplified complex processes and led to new technological developments in the U.S. and China.
Finally, the producers believe that AI will drastically shape human society through the increased unemployment rate. Many workers have been left jobless since their employers have adopted automation (Frontline PBS 54:47-55:57). Consequently, many people have been forced to lower their living standards to manage their limited earnings. Moreover, jobless workers have developed psychological disorders such as depression, among others (Frontline PBS 57:00-1:00). The documentary producers’ thoughts on AI are consistent with mine. I believe that while the technology has benefits, it has increased social problems. Therefore, the new technologies must consider the negative impacts on humanity and minimize the chances of harming their users.
AI in Transport Industry
The documentary’s segment that discusses how AI technology has revolutionized the transport industry is interesting. The video segment presents the enormous AI’s capability to save human lives in the transport sector. According to the documentary, AI integration in the transport sector has made it easier and safer for people to move and communicate across the world (Frontline PBS 12:03-12:10). The adoption of autonomous cars has led to increased comfort among drivers and travelers (Frontline PBS 12:04-14:00). Moreover, the use of automatic cars and roads with sensors has helped human beings evade accidents. Consequently, various governments promote the adoption of AI in the road industry to protect their citizens from accidents.
Meanwhile, the air transport industry benefits from AI through the use of complex systems that simulate piloting. The industry records the least number of accidents due to the installation of auto-pilot systems in planes. The impact of AI on the transport industry is an interesting topic since all human activities are dependent on the road, rail, and air modes of transportation. Additionally, the topic presents the possibility of enormous developments that would shift human society from depending on non-renewable sources of energy. Therefore, integrating AI into the transport industry would promote economic development while protecting many people from accidents.
AI and Cultural Elements
Developments in AI technology have shaped various cultural elements such as an individual’s identity, social environment, and social control, among others. Individuals’ identity involves self-image and personal beliefs about themselves (Falk 732). AI has influenced personal perceptions among people who use it. Various computer games are intellectually advanced, making players perceive themselves as smarter than others. The social environment involves the immediate settings in which individuals live and grow. AI has influenced the social environment by transforming the educational and economic, among other sectors. For instance, social media platforms have been used to promote diversity and social harmony. However, various social media platforms have been used to spread social vices, such as racism. AI technologies are significant in enhancing social interactions among human beings.
Furthermore, AI has been used for social control to maintain law and order. The use of facial recognition and automated databases helps in intelligent services. Additionally, the use of CCTV cameras and security systems helps reduce cases of theft. The government and non-governmental organizations utilize the AI platforms to sensitize the public on the negative effects of crimes and other unwanted social behaviors (Frontline PBS 1:17:46- 1:20:24). Although AI has positively influenced society, the technology has been used to conduct social vices such as fraud, among other cybercrimes. Therefore, AI should be encouraged while minding its negative impacts on society.
Conclusion
AI is pivotal in human economic and social development. Technology has significantly influenced transport, health, and marketing activities, among others. China and U.S. are the greatest competing giants in AI technology. Countries with AI have effective communication and transport networks. Although AI is beneficial, it has led to various social problems such as joblessness. Consequently, many people develop psychological disorders due to lower living standards and increased unemployment rates. Therefore, the adoption of AI is important but should be done with much caution.
Works Cited
Falk, Armin. “Facing Yourself–A Note on Self-Image.”Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, vol. 186, 2021, pp. 724-734.
“In the Age of AI (Full Documentary) | FRONTLINE.”YouTube, uploaded by Frontline PBS, 2019.