Module 11: Living in the Age of AI



In this post, I will be talking about my thoughts on the video "Living in the Age of AI". Most are aware of Artificial Intelligence and how it is being integrated into our everyday lives. To some, this is amazing, but for others, there are some serious concerns. All of my sources will be linked below. 



Important Take-aways:



Takeaways from the documentary are AI's fast advancements and impacts on healthcare, the economy, and security. It shows AI's benefits, like improved diagnostics and productivity, but also raises concerns about job displacement, privacy, and ethics. The documentary emphasizes the need for effective regulation, addressing biases, and using AI to augment human capabilities responsibly. Another takeaway is to be prepared for the future because we can't always be too sure what it holds. 


Surprises: 



One of the most surprising things covered in the documentary was the fast pace at which AI is evolving. Innovations and technology that used to be seen as nearly impossible, or so far away a few years ago are now becoming a reality. This fast development raises concerns about the ability to manage and regulate AI in an effective way.

One of the most frightening aspects of AI is the possible loss of control. As AI systems become more advanced, there's a real danger that they could act in ways that are unpredictable and possibly harmful. Making sure that humans stay in control of AI is critical, and making sure that ethical considerations are highly focused on is crucial as well to keep these risks to a minimum.


Positives: 



One of the positives of Artificial Intelligence is its potential to solve complex problems that were difficult to do so before. AI's role in the medical field can revolutionize Healthcare. This could potentially save many lives. 

AI also offers the promise of enhanced productivity. Automated systems can handle mundane tasks, allowing humans to focus on more creative and strategic endeavors. This shift could lead to a more fulfilling work environment where innovation thrives.


Privacy, Pros, & Cons:



However, the rise of AI brings serious privacy concerns. The documentary highlighted how AI systems often rely on vast amounts of personal data to function effectively. While this can lead to highly personalized services, it also opens the door to potential abuses. Companies and governments could exploit this data for surveillance, leading to a loss of individual freedoms.

When we look at the pro side, enhanced data analytics can lead to better consumer experiences and improved public services. But, when we look at the con side, there is the risk of creating a surveillance state where every action is monitored and recorded. There's also the threat to people's jobs, and malfunctions depending on what's being used for could cost people money, or possibly their lives. 


National Security:



AI's impact on national security is another critical area. On one hand, AI can bolster national security efforts by improving threat detection and response times. 

On the back side, the documentary showed the arms race in AI development between global superpowers. The potential for AI to be weaponized is a frightening prospect, as autonomous systems could make decisions without human oversight, leading to unintended consequences.


Online Security/ Identity Theft:



AI systems can detect unusual patterns of behavior that may indicate a cyberattack, this provides an extra layer of protection.

But, AI on its own can be used by malicious people who want to perpetrate identity theft and other types of cybercrime. For example, realistic but fake images and videos can be created, making it very difficult to discern the truth from the false.



Overall, AI has already changed our world so much, and in positive ways. However, I do think that serious caution needs to be taken for any and everyone who decides to engage. As much as technology helps us, we have become way too dependent on it. It has enabled us in so many ways. I am aware that there's not much that can be done to stop or slow down technological advances, it's kind of pushed on society as time goes on. But, there are serious consequences that need to be evaluated by experts who work closely with these new innovative technologies such as AI!


References:

Machine Learning: Living in the Age of AI | A WIRED Film



Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed it!

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