AI development brings benefits as well as danger

RENEE MACPHERSON

Year 13, South Otago High School

IN a world that is forever developing, technology has come a long way from the invention of a lightbulb.

For the most part, technology is invented to make our lives simpler, easier or better. It has been created for medicinal uses, societal issues and even to improve the ecosystem by eradicating manmade mistakes.

Even though there are many positive things that artificial intelligence could bring to the world, there is also a lot of backlash to the idea too.

From conspiracy theorists to ‘‘robots taking over the world’’, the debate continues among generations about whether artificial intelligence is a danger.

Artificial intelligence so far has proved to only be minimal.

It focuses mainly on one persistent task, for example, a selfdriving car doesn’t have to worry about recognising facial features or use lie detection technology.

But as time ticks on, so does the development of stronger capabilities and ideas for AI.

By doing this, it could solve some of the world’s biggest problems — poverty, war and disease — but at the same time, could also bring danger.

There is always a chance that an artificial intelligence could be negatively programmed to do wrongful things, and humans themselves could end up being controlled by AI.

As well as this, it could also mean the end for many jobs.

New Zealand only has an unemployment rate of 4.8%, but in more developing or undeveloped countries with rates as high as 66% (like in Somalia), these rates are sure to increase when jobs start to be done by AI. AI doesn’t require fortnightly pay.

The threat that this smart technology could bring to the world is posted all over media worldwide: multiple articles, conspiracies and films are published to portray this grand scheme in mostly a negative light.

Because there are so many social issues and public disagreement with the development and use of AI, it may be years or centuries until enough measures are put in place to fully ensure enough safety around the manmade intelligence.

Even so, the implication of AI could mean a more successful future in medicine, peace and science globally.