Will AI be too intrusive?

Your article on the influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on human societies in the coming years was insightful (“Artificial Intelligence will transform our planet”, Gulf

News, November 7). While it is interesting to note that AI would be immensely used by respective governments as a tool for gathering intelligence on behavioural patterns, political and cultural affiliations of people; it also raises questions on using the same technology to manipulate people’s thoughts. In fact, social media has already implemented such a strategy.

While users keep getting caught up in the endless volume of content — because each time they find there is something more interesting that suits their personal tastes and orientations — social media also keeps track of everything we do online.

In comparison, AI would most likely be extensively pervasive because it would work its way into every aspect of our thoughts and habits.

On the one hand there is huge potential for what AI is going to generate in terms of assessing micro-level behavioural patterns. On the other hand there is a real threat of AI acquiring the role of a manipulative modern Frankenstein.

In fact, factors influencing our thoughts have existed since the time of human history in the form of cultural practices, religion, social institutions, education and more.

But with AI such influences are more invasive in nature.