Should We Fear Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most talked about topics of the modern era. How will it change our lives? Will AI make our lives better, or will it usher in the demise of humankind?
I recently heard Ray Kurzweil, one of the most prominent computer scientists of our time, speak on the topic of AI. Ray projected that by 2029, AI will be as powerful as people in terms of cognition and decision-making. When asked if humans fear artificial intelligence, he replied, “We’re afraid of intelligence when it’s in the wrong hands.”
People everywhere are worried about AI. They may not understand what is it, what it does, or how it works, but the majority are tracking the fact that it’s a very big deal.
AI’s capabilities are rapidly advancing - much faster than other technologies - and we have a collective sense that this progress might outpace us.
Will AI replace us at work?
How will it change healthcare, education, and warfare?
Will it be better performing in decision-making than the human brain?
Recent headlines discussed that AI’s far-reaching impacts may even intrude into the bedroom…just when you thought all you had to compete with was someone younger, thinner, richer, and more suave, and here comes the robots!
What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
AI can be defined as technology that does what the human brain can do. This includes executive functions such as problem-solving, decision-making, and even creativity.
Historically, computers were regarded as systems that could only do what they were programmed to do. Original thoughts had to come from the human brain. What makes AI different from the old desktop computers we all learned to type on is that AI can analyze patterns, learn from data, and make decisions independently based on that learning.
Your life is probably already impacted by AI.
Do you use Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant? That’s AI at work.
What about filtering through recommended shows on Netflix? AI strikes again!
AI’s current usage brings a lot of convenience to our lives; however, its capabilities extend well-beyond tracking your movie preferences, and this vast and expansive unknown is where we tend to get worried.
How Does AI Work?
AI systems are built using algorithms, data, and computing power. Machine learning, a subset of AI, allows systems to improve performance by analyzing data and recognizing patterns. Unlike traditional software that follows instructions input by a computer programmer, machine learning models are trained to adapt and refine their understanding over time (often with no programmer - aka human supervisor - needed!). Deep learning, an advanced form of machine learning, mimics the neural networks of the human brain, enabling AI to tackle complex tasks such as image recognition, language translation, and game strategy unsupervised by humans.
AI’s ability to learn and adapt is what makes it so different from the technologies we’re accustomed to working with. By processing massive datasets and identifying patterns faster than the human brain can, AI can kick our butt in terms of information volume and corresponding processing.
You know that feeling you get when there are two or three things competing for your attention and your nerves jam? AI doesn’t have that, and as a result, it has the potential to outpace human cognition across multiple fronts. Not only did we create technology that can replace aspects of our own functions, but it can do it faster and in some cases, better with greater accuracy.
What Does AI Impact?
AI is impacting so many industries and sectors - not just technology. Here are a few areas AI is rapidly transforming (this list is by no means exhaustive):
Creative Industries - AI is making waves in art, music, and writing by generating unique content and assisting creatives in exploring new ideas. While I doubt AI will rival the inspiring talent of Dolly Parton, it can replicate and imitate all day long.
Education - AI tools personalize learning experiences, offering customized lesson plans and instant feedback for students. In theory, this could make life easier for students; however, it’s currently a nightmare for college professors.
Defense and Security - AI is being integrated into intelligence systems, cybersecurity, and military strategies, raising both promise and ethical concerns related to cyberwarfare. What will an AI-powered battlefield look like? We’ll just have to wait to see.
Healthcare - AI is reported to enhance diagnostic accuracy, administrative tasks, and even robotic surgical systems. Having spent the past year dealing with major medical stuff, I am not eager to experience AI-directed bedside manners in our hospitals!
Workplace - AI-driven automation is changing the nature of jobs. Some are being replaced, while other areas of the workforce may see job creation in the realm of wrangling this new technology. Very few industries will be spared the disruptive effects of AI, so if you hope to stay relevant, you’ll need to learn how to harness AL tools in your line of work.
AI vs. the Human Brain
I asked one of my favorite AI tools “What can I do that you cannot do?” and here was the response:
While AI is incredibly powerful, there are many things that only humans can do. Humans possess emotional intelligence, allowing us to empathize, connect, and respond with compassion in ways AI cannot. We rely on moral judgment to navigate complex ethical dilemmas, applying values and cultural awareness that machines lack. Our creativity, shaped by personal experiences, emotions, and intuition, enables us to innovate with purpose and originality. Humans also excel in adapting to unstructured environments, improvising solutions, and managing unpredictable social interactions. Most importantly, we have consciousness — a sense of self, purpose, and reflection that AI cannot replicate. These distinctly human qualities remain essential in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.
Interesting - emotional intelligence, moral judgment and ethics, creativity with intent, adaptability in unstructured environments, self-awareness, and complex social skills - all things we do not currently prioritize in our education system, workplaces, nor in many professional and leadership development programs.
Perhaps we should start?
AI: To Fear or Not to Fear…
To answer the pressing question of “Should we fear AI?” I go back to Ray Kurzweil’s insightful response: “...when it’s in the wrong hands.”
AI’s potential for misuse is a genuine concern. The digital arms race now includes AI capabilities, ushering in a new era of technology-empowered threats. Some, including myself, have likened this to the nuclear arms race. Just as nuclear power has the potential for both immense benefit and catastrophic harm, AI’s impact will largely depend on how it’s developed, controlled, and applied.
While it’s true that AI has the power to revolutionize industries, improve lives, and solve complex global challenges, unchecked AI could also enact bad decisions, compromise security, and even threaten human existence. Our ability to utilize AI in a way that results in positive outcomes vs. the end of the world will require responsible technological development, oversight, and ensuring systems are aligned with ethical human values, sound judgment, and a kill switch that could off-ramp anything that got out of hand.
An AI Future
Like it or not, the impacts of AI are going to impact us all.
AI is not a silver bullet that’s going to solve all the world’s problems, and it’s not necessarily a death sentence for the modern world.
AI is just a tool - albeit, it’s a very powerful tool - that isn’t initially good or bad. Its outputs will reflect the intentions of those who develop and deploy it. Before you start freaking out about AI, I’d encourage you to take a moment and reflect on the realization that AI will be whatever we make it. Therefore, we must get involved in building an AI-infused future that is responsible.