Artificial intelligence is everywhere. We use it for almost everything. Search engines and shopping apps learn what you search and buy, offering similar products and encouraging you to buy more. Your devices may optimise battery usage to match the times they are most in use. On a bigger scale, AI is learning how to be better than humans at completing tasks.
So, is Artificial Intelligence a blessing or a curse?
Pros:
Humans make errors
Programmed correctly, computers never make a mistake. Humans, on the other hand, are error-prone, imperfect, and, in comparison to AI, utterly useless. Greater accuracy is better for any business or even task.
Currently, it’s best suited to repetitive jobs as there are clearly defined parts to the task. The more AI learns the more it can break down increasingly complex tasks into those clearly defined parts, performing them one by one.
Humans are cowards
There’s a reason why humans have not set foot on Mars. We are cowards! Not really… It’s currently too dangerous and will end in death for anyone brave enough to venture there. But numerous AI robots have travelled to the red planet. These robots take risks humans cannot take, whilst performing the task of humans.
Humans are lazy
Humans need breaks. We need time to eat, drink and sleep. Depending on where you are in the world the amount of time to do all that varies. However, robots don’t need a break. They can work all day, every day.
If they work all day every day that means even more productivity. Looking at history greater productivity means better living standards. That will still be the case… Right?
Cons:
AI is taking over
We aren’t talking about some Terminator-style dystopia but a problem just as bad… Unemployment.
Historically, innovation destroyed some jobs but opened new opportunities. Now AI allows computers to repair themselves, copy each other and perform increasingly difficult tasks. The creation of new jobs has slowed. Are we facing a world where human jobs will only be for a few people?
Artificial Intelligence costs money
Machines require updates for both hardware and software. These repairs incur plenty of costs which increase with the complexity of the machine. Small-scale AI is already integrated into most industries and is readily available for an affordable price.
You may have to pay a wage to humans but when they go wrong it may be less expensive than major machine breakdown or data loss.
Artificial Intelligence isn’t human
Humans need in-person connections with each other despite the amount of time we spend on devices. AI may never be able to replace emotions, making them unsuitable for jobs that need empathy and compassion.
This lack of human elements also means that there is never any thinking beyond what it is programmed to do. Imagination may be in its vocabulary, but it may never experience it.
There are many more advantages and disadvantages of Artificial Intelligence that are impacting us now or will impact us in the future. Is it a benefit to have fewer mistakes whilst discovering and producing more at the expense of jobs, and human connection? Or do you believe that, eventually, Artificial Intelligence will emulate the plot of the 2001 Space Odyssey?
One thing is for certain… IT is here to stay, and it can go wrong. So, if you need IT support, get in touch today. We are more than happy to help.
Phone: 01727 861553
Website: https://www.omicronsolutions.co.uk/contact-us/
