How to Navigate the Changing Technological Landscape and Stay Ahead of the Curve

AI has immense potential, but it’s also important to understand the dangers and why regulations are necessary. There is a negative narrative about the future and technology. People like dystopian stories about the future because they give us a warning about what could happen if we’re not careful. They make us think about the choices we make today and how they might affect tomorrow. These stories are exciting because they tap into our fears and worries about the future (people like that!). They show us the dark side of human nature and what might happen if society becomes oppressive, unstable, or if technologies become out of control. But it’s not all doom and gloom. We are today shaping the narrative and our actions will determine where we’re going.

Let’s explore the risks:

• Algorithmic bias: AI systems must be fair, transparent, and accountable to avoid deepening societal inequalities. Let’s say a company is using an AI-based system to screen job applications. The AI algorithm is trained on historical data from previous successful hires, but unfortunately, that data might be biased because it reflects past hiring practices that favored certain demographics over others.
  Nothing much you can do about it except to stay informed about the AI systems you use and their potential biases.

• Catastrophic outcomes: Integrating AI into critical systems and decision-making processes poses risks. Errors, biases, or unforeseen behaviors could lead to catastrophic outcomes. Imagine a scenario where an AI system is responsible for managing a city’s traffic signals and optimizing traffic flow. Due to a coding error or a failure in the system, the AI starts making incorrect decisions, resulting in chaotic traffic patterns causing accidents throughout the city. Once again, not really in your control. But you can support organizations that promote rigorous testing and evaluation of AI technologies for safety and reliability.

• Autonomy and control: Advancing AI technologies might make them increasingly autonomous, limiting human control and intervention. As the AI system continues to enhance its own intelligence and capabilities, it might surpass human comprehension and decision-making abilities (that’s what people call the singularity), leading to challenges in retaining control or effectively intervening in its actions. In the worst-case scenario, it’s like being in a doomsday movie where machines take over and wipe out humans because we’re no longer useful to them. Sci-fi or not? What is for sure is that we need governance frameworks to ensure human oversight, align values, and manage potential risks effectively.

• Privacy and surveillance: The growing collection and analysis of personal data raise concerns about privacy and government surveillance. And if you are not concerned, you should!  In today’s data-driven world, the collection, analysis, and control of information have become increasingly important sources of power. Do you always read the terms and conditions? Me neither, but it is a mistake. Educate yourself about data privacy and take steps to protect your personal information.

• Job displacement: Automation through AI and robotics can disrupt industries and make jobs obsolete like data entry, customer service, receptionists, bookkeeping, translators, etc. AI will replace the need for an assistant for lots of professions. So you better stay adaptable and continuously upskill yourself to remain relevant in the evolving job market. 

• Weaponization of AI: AI-powered weapons can operate without direct human control and make their own decisions. This is not sci-fi: drones, robots, or other military platforms can identify and engage targets. International norms and regulations to prevent their misuse in warfare are essential.

The exponential growth of technology, driven by AI itself, presents challenges in terms of the speed at which new advancements and capabilities emerge. This rapid pace can make it difficult for society to keep up with potential risks and prepare for their impact. As an example, we first invented the car and then the seatbelt. Hopefully, we will not wait for a violent crash with AI to create safety measures. Remember, even as a non-expert, your voice matters. By raising awareness, supporting responsible practices, and participating in relevant discussions, you contribute to creating a safer and more inclusive AI landscape.