How Will AI Affect Society?
The capabilities of computers are advancing. How the world functions is quickly becoming unrecognizable. Some believe it’s a great thing, others think it’s horrifying — but we all notice the changes. Artificial Intelligence, though been a buzzword for several years, is now integrated into our day-to-day systems. Whether we like it or not, it’s here to stay. The world will continue to evolve around it and other technologies that emerge. Learning about AI and how it will impact you is the smartest thing to do. Stay ahead of the curve.
According to Oxford Dictionary, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is “the theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence.” Simply, assignments that generally require a human to have extensive knowledge and a skill set to perform, humans may not be necessary to complete those tasks anymore. We now have technology that can do the same functions.
The most relevant example of that is ChatGPT (since it has recently gone viral). Folks ask the site to produce their research papers, business plans, budget sheets, grocery lists, etc. Anyone can type a prompt on the website, and the software will deliver an answer.
There’s almost nothing ChatGPT can’t produce, and that’s only one example of Artificial Intelligence. Other examples are the chatboxes that have replaced customer service representatives, our favorite streaming service providing recommendations on what to watch next based on our watch history, and text editors such as Grammarly that have replaced the role of a proofreader.
Artificial Intelligence is vast in its functions. The impact it will have on different sectors of life will vary. Within media and communications, it will replace writers and curate content. Buzzfeed Inc. recently announced they would rely on ChatGPT to enhance their quizzes and personalize content. Medical professionals will have the assistance to do their job efficiently. An AI tool, similar to ChatGPT was created to read minds.
The technology translates brain activity into text for people unable to physically speak. Once perfected, this can help people unable to talk after a stroke. AI will also replace graphic designers and other creators. Canva has a text-to-AI feature where all an individual must do is type the content they want the site to produce, and it will generate an illustration. The possibilities of AI are endless, and society is forced to adapt to it so quickly. More AI methods are invented before we have the time to process and regulate.
Therefore, scammers have been using Artificial Intelligence to swindle money. Cybersecurity company McAfee released a warning about voice scams. There have been several occurrences where a parent will receive a call that their child is up for ransom.
AI copied their kid’s voice, found their guardian’s number, and called them with the child “begging for their life” in the background while the scammers requested bank information. The study says 10% of surveyed adults have been targeted. Since technology has been evolving rapidly, it is hard for the government to monitor and protect citizens. Law and policy have always played “catch up” to changing times– but it’s even more dangerous in the era of reliance on technology.
Geoffrey Hinton, known as the “Godfather of AI,” has recently quit his job at Google to blow the whistle on Artificial Intelligence. Hinton is concerned AI will become “smarter than us.” He regrets his role in developing such sharp technology. Hinton is worried that it will “manipulate” humans because it learned from humans. He’s also concerned that the truth will be lost because AI does not fact-check; it just aggregates information online.
There’s so much grey area in the world of Artificial Intelligence that he has the wisdom to make black and white. The pioneer, 75, who has been with Google for over a decade, has found it fit that now is the time to depart and express his concerns within months of ChaptGPT going viral. That’s alarming folks that now is the time to pay attention to what’s going on with AI.
Technology positively contributes to the life of everyone, and this sector of it- AI- should be no different. It’s scary to ponder where it’s headed since we’re in the early stages of adapting as a society. Jobs, creativity, and the truth is already threatened to be lost, so where do we go from here? See the benefits and stay up to date.
Visualize how humans can work with AI to improve life rather than replace it. Call your local members of Congress and express your concerns about regulating AI so that the government can move more swiftly to manage it. Be alert to what can be fake and utilize newsrooms to stay informed about new advancements. Technology is meant to help and not burden us, so let’s use it for what it’s made for, being mindful of its capabilities.
About the author: Shelby Denise Smith is a full-time Social Media Editor and part-time Freelance Writer. She loves writing about news, wellness, and beauty and hosting impactful conversations with influencers and experts on those subjects.