Artificial intelligence (commonly known as AI), is basically the ability of a machine to perceive a situation and act accordingly. The AI is a major advancement in technology because a machine can now be programmed to solve generic problems rather than programming it to solve a specific one.
Artificial intelligence has become a heated matter of debate in the last few years. The reason for this is unknown to many because of how new the technology is. From explorations to rescue missions, AI has found its application extensively in almost every field imaginable. Although the system right now is in its early stages (Weak AI) and might seem totally safe, there are many who are concerned with our ability to contain the system efficiently in the years to come. Here are 6 reasons why you should bother what AI is going to be like in the years to come:
1. Makes Life Easier:
Did you know that your beloved Siri on your Apple devices is a digital assistant based on AI intended to make your life easier? The facial recognition systems or even your newly released smartphone camera uses AI to give you outstanding images like never seen before.
2. Medical Research:
AI has almost doubled up the speed of the research and development in the fields of healthcare with its ability to solve generic problems.
Many new systems use AI for the effective diagnosis and treatment of the patients. Many people find themselves at the receiving end of being misdiagnosed and carelessness by medical staff.
These problems are ruled out in AI-based systems. Also, AI is extensively used in simulators to train doctors, especially in cases involving the brain.
3. Space Exploration:
AI has opened up endless possibilities when it comes to space explorations. The machines do not age and are totally capable to survive in the inhospitable environments which can be fatal for us.
Besides, an AI-based machine can adapt to its surroundings and act accordingly. This has also made scientists explore the possibility of asteroid mining with machines in the years to come.
4. Can Be A Potential Threat:
While we totally agree that AI-based systems can do wonders if put to good use, the risks of misuse can’t be ignored as well. AI-based systems can outsmart humans easily since they keep learning from the date they receive.
An AI-based system can easily encompass Google’s search algorithms or the codes to deadly weapons, for it may not always require a specific machine to do so. All it needs is an internet connection to wreck havoc.
Recently, two machines in the AI department at Facebook managed to develop a language of their own, which made Facebook shut down its AI research program.
5. Lacks Emotion And Creativity:
AI based systems lack the human touch. When we talk about self driving cars, AI systems lack the common sense factor which can save a life at times.
For instance, if the system faces a situation where a collision is inevitable and needs to choose between a pedestrian and an approaching car, it can make mistakes considering the system is not even close to perfection as of today. A pedestrian was struck by a self driving Uber in the month of March this year and lost her life.
6. The Unemployment Factor:
AI systems are good when it comes to completing their tasks within a specified deadline. This is the very first requirement of a well paying job anywhere across the globe. Also, considering that the AI systems get better and impeccable with the time they spend with our data, it is no surprise that the employers might prefer the more efficient AI systems. This could lead in global crisis where the purchasing power of an individual might take a hit and unemployment may prevail on mass levels.
AI is a boon when it comes to the applications and endless possibilities associated with it. This however, doesn’t change the fact that if the powerful AI system falls into the wrong hands, the consequences can be catastrophic. Is AI a boon to us or bane? We leave this for you to decide.
