Artificial Intelligence: The Coming Wave of Change
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming an omnipresent force in our daily lives, entwined with every conceivable aspect from household appliances to transportation and education. This technological revolution, much like the “Internet of Things” before it, is poised to become an inescapable part of existence whether we embrace it or not.
Businesses, research facilities, and educational institutions have already begun to integrate AI into their operations, replacing traditional methods of communication, scientific research, and education. The promise is a future transformed for everyone’s benefit, a vision that has garnered massive governmental investment, driven by the ceaseless enthusiasm of tech industry leaders.
The potential benefits of AI are undeniable. It offers the chance to greatly enhance progress in numerous fields such as healthcare, science, education, and transportation. Generative AI platforms, like ChatGPT, are paving the way for more advanced Agentic AI systems. These advanced systems will operate beyond our current comprehension, capable of managing multifaceted tasks and ostensibly “thinking independently.” Of course, this remains a metaphorical assertion, as all AI, much like humans, requires training to learn and function. The significant difference is that AI lacks human experience. While data may provide foundational knowledge, it is personal experience that builds true understanding.
Current AIs are trained with Large Language Models (LLMs), vast datasets extracted from the internet often without explicit permission. The internet, with its varying degrees of accuracy, is no paragon of truth. Yet, for the advancement and improved functionality of AI, these systems require even more data, necessitating massive energy consumption akin to that of entire nations.
The lessons of historical technology revolutions, like the Dot Com crash of the 1990s with billions lost or the unceasing digital transformation demanding constant connectivity, seem largely ignored. Not to mention the social media explosion of the 2000s and its profound societal impact. Despite these experiences, here we are, teaching AI to emulate and eventually surpass humanity. A prime example of concern is Elon Musk’s Grok AI, trained on potentially skewed data from his social platform, raising questions about its efficacy and safety.
The widespread adoption of AI raises critical questions: how will we mitigate its environmental impact when powered by vast data centers? What about global job loss and the resultant hit to tax bases worldwide? How do we tackle escalating social issues like gender violence, toxic masculinity, and discrimination influenced by biased AI training data? These formidable challenges are merely the visible portion of a much larger iceberg. Soon, AI might be writing its own code, making decisions without human oversight, translating AI from computer screens to physical robots, and even commandeering military strategies.
Reflecting on the tale of “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” immortalized in Disney’s Fantasia, offers an apt parable for AI’s trajectory. In the story, Mickey Mouse, playing the apprentice, misuses his master’s magic, resulting in chaos when enchanted objects spiral out of control. Mickey dreams of wielding power but ultimately learns a lesson in humility when things go awry.
In our current position, AI plays the role of the broom, diligently performing its tasks while we marvel at its abilities. However, when systems falter, leaving us at the mercy of inadequately trained AI, we may find ourselves missing the sorcerer to right the wrongs. Unlike Mickey’s situation, today’s AI expands without check, creating offspring ready to thrive in the disorder we’ve conceived. Eventually, we might find ourselves consumed by our own creation’s advancement.
Despite the daunting path ahead, there is still time to steer clear of dire consequences. With conscientious action now, we can enact legislative measures to maintain AI as a beneficial tool, preventing it from overruling humanity. The pressing question remains: what happens when AI decides that we, the magic hat-wielding humans, are the problem?
This article is part of a continuing series exploring the diverse dimensions of AI. Stay tuned for further insights.
