O |
n a frosty midnight recently, my phone chimed and glowed with a text message from a friend while I was working on my laptop. Reading her chat almost gave me a jump scare. She had shared pictures generated by ChatGPT in which she had prompted a portrait of her room according to her previous searches. The amazing thing was that her guitar and parrot, which she had never mentioned to ChatGPT, were also depicted and placed in the virtual setting, like in her actual room.
We are living in a world that’s moving at a fast pace. Gone are the days when our grandparents would wait for days after sending handwritten letters to their loved ones via postal service. We are now a click away from them in a meta-verse.
But what if the human wonders in this digital age outsmart us and take over our lives? What if humans become puppets in the hands of the very gadgets and programmes they designed and created? Artificial intelligence, or AI, is taking over our lives. Your phone recognises your face and lets you in. Some companies are creating AI-based cars that can drive on their own. The most mundane and time-consuming work is now automated. This not only saves time but also generates more revenue and enhances customer service.
Given this context, I am forced to contemplate whether AI is a beacon of progress or a double-edged sword for humanity. The answer, to me, lies in the fact that nothing — be it artificial intelligence or nuclear power — can hurtle humanity towards its annihilation unless it is left unchecked. AI is both a boon and a bane depending upon how it is used.
For instance, in the realm of education, AI provides a personalised interface for learning. Several online learning platforms incorporate AI algorithms that help students study at their own pace in their own style and addressing their unique needs. It also allows the students instant feedback by highlighting areas needing improvement, offering suggestions and helping with material tailored to their needs.
In healthcare, AI is doing wonders by assisting people more efficiently than some of its creators. Personalised treatment and optimisation of hospital workflow were never easy to achieve prior to AI. Today, a doctor can perform a surgery from miles away, by using an AI-integrated robotic arm. AI-based diagnostic tools can perform tasks with greater precision. And, of course, it is helping researchers in discovering new drugs by analysing huge data sets.
Autonomous vehicles are another great breakthrough. Considering its potential, car companies are now investing heavily in self-driven cars, drones and trucks. This will not only leverage smoother transportation, with reduced accidents, but also improve efficiency and accessibility for the physically challenged. As AI algorithms continue to evolve, the dream of a fully autonomous transportation system inches closer to reality.
In the business arena, many companies are integrating AI tools to gain insights into consumer behaviour, streamline operations and make data-driven decisions.
AI-driven chat boxes and assistants are providing instant and efficient customer services.
AI is also a boon for environment protection. Thanks to advanced data analytics, sensors and drones, it has become a breeze to collect real-time data on climate change, deforestation, approaching cyclones and wildlife. Precise data is invaluable to scientists as it saves plenty of time and resources they need to arrive at informed decisions and developing effective strategies to protect endangered species and preserve biodiversity.
However, AI can render traditional workplaces obsolete. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, up to 80 million jobs could be lost to automation by 2030.
Then there is the privacy dilemma. From the US to the UK to Italy and Pakistan, women politicians are increasingly falling victim to deep fake pornographic videos that have been made possible by AI tools. This not only jeopardises their careers, but also betrays public trust. Striking a balance between the utility of AI applications and the protection of individual privacy is an ongoing challenge that policymakers and technologists must address through robust regulations and ethical guidelines.
It is not as if AI will take away everyone’s job. It will also open doors to enhanced and effective employment. A study by McKinsey Global Institute estimates that as early as 2030, AI could contribute to the creation of 20-50 million new jobs globally.
The displacement concern reminds one of the 1980s when computers were seen as a threat to jobs. However, they ended up creating a whole new industry.
Areeba Haroon is an English graduate based in Lahore. She can be reached at areebaharoon4330@gmail.com