Unveiling the Dark Side: The Looming Dangers of Artificial Intelligence
- e64621
- Oct 18, 2024
- 3 min read
by Kai-Michael Peyton
Artificial Intelligence has been at the forefront of conversations all over the globe lately. It can be helpful but it is not free from danger. Knowing that it is becoming prevalent and is a newer thing we have to get informed and know what you are dealing with. AI can be a double edged sword; it just depends on who's hands are on it. So come with me as we explore the dangers of AI.
The Problem With AI
Artificial Intelligence can be helpful when used to perform tasks most people do not want to do, but that is not always a good thing. For example, factory work is something AI is getting increasingly better at. In the past, machinery was used to make these jobs easier, but still required a human touch. Now, AI can do the tasks that traditionally required a human operator. This is not just happening with factories. Office jobs have also seen a rise in AI aided tasks. For instance, many graphic designer's livelihood is at stake because AI is capable of making posters and website designs. As tech improves, more people will be out jobs, putting a strain on the global economy. Lastly are concerns about a person's ownership of their own appearance. A process known as DeepFake is when Artificial Intelligence is used to create an image of a person. Depending on the number of images the AI is fed, the resulting image can be difficult to tell apart from a real photograph. From Builtin,
“Online media and news have become even murkier in light of AI-generated images and videos, AI voice changers as well as deep fakes infiltrating political and social spheres. These technologies make it easy to create realistic photos, videos, audio clips or replace the image of one figure with another in an existing picture or video.”
Where Is AI Headed?
Of course, it is possible AI will go the way of SkyNet in the Terminator series... but hopefully not. AI could revolutionize the medical field by performing surgery without human error, finding cures for diseases, and making prosthetics with precision. Dylan Losey, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech states, “AI and robotics can open doors for people living with physical disabilities. We've seen the promise of assistive robot arms and mobile wheelchairs helping elderly adults regain independence, autonomous vehicles increase mobility, and rehabilitation robots help children gain the ability to walk.” Another industry poised for AI revolution is gaming. Playing against bots is not as much fun as playing against people, but if AI excels, we could play against AI that can adapt and learn.
"...rehabilitation robots help children gain the ability to walk.”
AI Limitations
In terms of physical limitations, there are few. This is because multiple machines and robots can work together to complete tasks. AI is more like the mind that controls the mechanical parts. If a task is too difficult for one machine to do, an AI will employ another. Creativity is one realm AI struggles with. Occupations that depend on creativity are more difficult for an AI to do. This includes painting, cooking, Social Media Influencer (if you consider that a job). Mental health related occupations, like therapists and psychologists, are difficult for AI because they require empathy, something a machine is not capable of.
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