The Truth About AI
Netpoleon ANZ
ANZ Trusted Partner for Next Generation Cyber Security Solutions and Value-Added Services.
Lately, artificial intelligence (AI) seems to be everywhere, from Google introducing Gemini in Chrome to Meta integrating AI into Instagram and WhatsApp search bars. It’s fast, it’s smart, but it’s also raising questions. Why is everyone adopting AI? Can we opt out? Is it safe? Let's break down what AI is and how it’s influencing our daily lives, both good and bad.
These days, artificial intelligence has progressed to the point where we can converse with bots just like we would with a human. This is possible thanks to key AI developments identified in the picture below.
Researchers experimented on the fact that machines/systems could think, talk, act, and respond like a human being if given a layer of nodes (artificial neurons). These systems can improve and adapt, becoming more accurate almost as if they have a mind of their own. But how does this work?
The journey of artificial intelligence started from just a theory on human brain wave 'neural network theory' to today’s advanced AI model like ChatGPT also known as Generative AI (GenAI). All worked with the creation of programming languages that allowed humans to give computers instructions. Over time, these languages became more user-friendly, making it possible for people to communicate with computers using everyday language instead of complex code.
This evolution sparked the idea of computer intelligence being the first steps towards machine learning and computer automation. As technology progressed, AI grew smarter, expanding beyond text processing to understanding images, recognizing speech, and even creating its own content.
This must be scary to some as we don't know the lengths that AI could reach. Don't worry, a lot of scientists have spoken up about it.
Even the creators of AI are going against it!
For years, the biggest issue around AI and any technology has always been the same, people fear that automation will take over human workers leading to job displacements. And with AI's continued growth, the consequences of technology to humans may be greater than we thought. Instead of being our helping hand, we might end up working for it.
Geoffrey Hinton, Nobel Prize winner for his AI innovation and so-called godfather of AI, has brought up concerns regarding the possible impact of AI on society. As he did not expect that the growth of AI is faster than it should be, as he said in his interviews with NPC (Allyn, 2023) and CBS (Pelley, 2024):
"There's a serious danger that we'll get things smarter than us fairly soon and that these things might get bad motives and take control."
"... So, one of the ways in which these systems might escape control is by writing their own computer code to modify themselves. And that's something we need to seriously worry about."
With the main function of adapting and fixing itself, AI will get smarter and smarter. Who knows, maybe they will be smarter than the human that made them. In an ethical sense, this should not be happening as we do not want a world where computers are ruling over the human population.
It is a serious concern that should not be neglected, for one, AI has evolved to creating an increase in the number of fake information called 'Deepfake', a visual or audio content created by AI, it mimics a person's tone, voice, bodily expression and many more. This creates content that looks real but was never actually done by the actual person. And AI has gotten better over the years, to the point where we cannot tell whether it is AI generated or real (Deepfake Technology: What Is It, How Does It Work, and What Can It Be Used For?, 2024).
All that is happening now, who knows what could happen in the next few years.
But of course, there are upsides to AI
Hinton still mentioned that "There's an enormous upside from this technology, but it's essential that the world invests heavily and urgently in AI safety and control" (Vallance, 2023). So, if we act fast and take control over this man-made technology, we can enjoy the benefits without worry.
Such as:
It is such a great thing for society to be able to develop something so out of the ordinary that has helped so many people with it.
Don't be fooled, do your part!
Based on the ups and downs we have talked about, it is important to maintain the integrity and ethicality of both our own and other people's use of AI.
What should we do?
AI does not stop here, there is way more you can uncover but ultimately, let's stay mindful about the usage of AI by maintaining responsible and ethical practices rather than exploitation.
References
Allyn, B. (2023, May 28). “The godfather of AI” sounds alarm about potential dangers of AI. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2023/05/28/1178673070/the-godfather-of-ai-sounds-alarm-about-potential-dangers-of-ai
Can we mitigate AI’s environmental impacts? (2024, October 10). Yale School of the Environment. https://environment.yale.edu/news/article/can-we-mitigate-ais-environmental-impacts
Deepfake technology: What is it, how does it work, and what can it be used for? (2024, May 15). BBC Newsround. https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/69009887
Pelley, S. (2024, June 16). Geoffrey Hinton on the promise, risks of artificial intelligence | 60 Minutes. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/geoffrey-hinton-ai-dangers-60-minutes-transcript/
Vallance, B. Z. K. &. C. (2023, May 2). AI “godfather” Geoffrey Hinton warns of dangers as he quits Google. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-65452940