Artificial Intelligence: a threat or a blessing?
“Alexa, what’s the temperature right now?”
“Hey, Siri, set a timer for 30 minutes.”
Due to artificial intelligence's constant development, it has become increasingly able to perform tasks that were previously considered the exclusive domain of human intelligence, leading to debates about its role in society. AI proponents argue that it can raise human abilities and help us solve complicated problems. On the other hand, critics warn that AI could lead to mass unemployment and even threaten humanity if its capabilities exceed ours. This article will highlight AI's potential pros and cons to make an informed decision about its future use.
Advantages of Using Artificial Intelligence
AI systems are reshaping how we work, play, and interact with our environment as they can gather, analyze, and use vast amounts of data. The following are some of AI’s remarkable benefits.
Technology has always been the champion of reducing human error, making tasks more manageable and less time-consuming, from simple spell checks to the most sophisticated apps. In this regard, AI is not an exception; it has more potential to reduce human error than any other technology because it is designed to learn from data and increasingly become accurate at classifying and predicting patterns.
Unlike humans, AI never gets tired or takes breaks. It is a valuable system for businesses that require around-the-clock support (hotels and hospitals) or experience high volumes of inquiries and transactions (banks and travel websites).
Thanks to their speed and accuracy, AI systems are better than humans at performing repetitive and time-consuming tasks, like data entry or sorting vast amounts of data. In addition, they can adjust to changing conditions and handle multiple inputs simultaneously. Thus, artificial intelligence technology is the best choice when handling precise routine tasks.
Although some consider AI-powered virtual assistants invasive, they can be incredibly beneficial for day-to-day chores. From Google Home to Amazon Echo, they can learn about our behaviors, habits, and preferences by analyzing data from search history, online shopping habits, and even voice commands.
Disadvantages of Using Artificial Intelligence
While AI has intriguing benefits, it raises some serious concerns. The following are some of its most common downsides.
One of the adverse effects of AI is that it can be quite costly to develop and maintain. Statistics show that the global AI market is booming, with its size expected to reach $18 trillion by 2030, and that custom AI solutions cost anywhere from $6000 to over $300,000.
Some people predict that AI will replace humans in the workforce. However, this idea is somehow impracticable. Although AI systems can learn and adapt to new situations, they can never replicate a human because they aren’t capable of humans' complex thinking and creativity and can’t think outside the box.
Some assume that artificial intelligence technology could lead to higher unemployment rates if it continues to advance and be able to complete tasks done regularly by humans. The lack of need for human workers could lead to social unrest and a large-scale struggle to find a job that machines can’t do.
It’s said that AI can be a constructive mechanism in the future, yet others consider it a threat that will overpower and rule over humans, and the debate is still ongoing. But let’s get real here, has AI ever stopped us from achieving anything worthwhile for humanity? The answer is no. All these being said, the advantages and disadvantages of AI, it is up to the reader to decide whether or not to embrace AI.