A Short Description of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence refers to technological or digital shifts where the machines are programmed to perform human-like activities such as speech recognition, visual perception and decision making. In simpler terms, AI is a technology that allows us to classify, generate and perform different human tasks. As artificial intelligence is increasingly embedded in our daily lives, evaluating the ethical implications of its use and deployment is crucial. (Source)
Positive implications of artificial intelligence
Healthcare diagnosis
With the help of an AI algorithm, healthcare organisations are demonstrating the ability to identify certain diseases earlier, even with full accuracy compared to humans. For example, artificial intelligence has been utilised by healthcare professionals to develop personalised treatment plans for patients and also used to develop diagnostic tools. (Source)
Data-driven objectivity
The ability of artificial intelligence is to analyse data sets rapidly, which can lead to decisions that are less biased and more informed.
Improved accessibility
AI-powered tools such as real-time language translation and voice-activated assistance help differently abled people to interact seamlessly with their surroundings.
Tailored the experiences
AI-driven educational platforms are capable of adopting individual learning styles that ultimately help the students to understand complex subjects intuitively. It also provides a wide range of learning and teaching activities. Khamigo, an AI-driven teaching and tutor assistant offered by Khan Academy, would be significant in this regard. It harnesses the capabilities of GPT 4 that deliver personalised learning assistance. (Source)
Also read: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is eyeing the future!
Ethical concerns of artificial intelligence
Potential for surpassing humans
As artificial intelligence models emerged, they could exceed human intelligence, leading to concerns pertaining to human control over this system.
Dependency dilemma
Over-reliance on artificial intelligence can erode human decision-making capabilities that affect fundamental skills. For example, the dependency on GPS navigation systems has caused many people to stop paying attention to road signs, even after driving into situations.
Non-transparent function
Many artificial intelligence systems, especially deep learning, operate in non-transparent ways. It creates challenges for accountability. An algorithm named COMPAS has been used to predict criminal reoffending, but it was criticised for its potential bias.
Inherent bias
Artificial intelligence algorithms, especially when trained on historical data, can display and amplify biases. One of the notable examples is facial recognition technology that sometimes identifies certain ethnicities. Google Photos was criticised a lot in 2015 for its image recognition algorithm that labelled African Americans as gorillas. (Source)
Monopolisation and economic disparities
The efficiency of artificial intelligence might lead to job losses in various sectors, which would increase economic inequalities. Control of the advanced artificial intelligence and dominance by the major take companies can further monopolise the industry.
Impact on the creative sector
The evolution of artificial intelligence might transform or even replace human responsibilities in creative-focused professions like writing, design and music. Muse Net, discovered by OpenAI, has composed the songs in multiple styles like a jukebox that generates singing in different voices.
Emotional Reliance and Dehumanisation
Over-reliance on artificial intelligence entities like robotic companions for chatbots for emotional support prompts a reflection on the significance and essence of human connections. Chatbots like Replika have been designed to offer emotional support and companionship that influences the user's emotions.
Emotional manipulation
Potential utilisation of artificial intelligence to manipulate human emotions for commercial gains. It came up together with marketing strategies, clever design tactics, pervasive behavioural cost discrimination and predatory advertising to guide the people to inferior selections that can be monetised by the organisation easily. (Source)
Mass surveillance and laws of privacy
AI tools, especially those used for predictive analytics or surveillance, could violate personal privacy rights. The expansive network for surveillance, China’s Skynet, is capable of analysing, capturing and processing the visual data in real time.
Misinformation & Deepfakes
Artificial intelligence can produce misleading content and change the dynamics of information trustworthiness. AI-powered technologies are able to create the foundation for voice cloning, deepfake videos, deepfake images, and generative text. It ultimately leads to the threats regarding deepfake poses. (Source)
Environmental impact
The intensive computational requirements of artificial intelligence can leave a significant environmental imprint. Efforts can be made to bolster the energy efficiency of artificial intelligence to mitigate the environmental impact.
Navigating the ethical concerns of artificial intelligence
Regulatory measures
The regulatory frameworks, like GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), can serve as a keystone for safeguarding individual rights in the artificial intelligence realm.
Transparency and understanding
Emphasis on a particular artificial intelligence model would be beneficial to improve operational logic.
Public involvement
Public awareness and education would be beneficial to mitigate AI-related challenges. Enlightening the public awareness on the strengths and drawbacks of AI ensures a well-informed populace that can engage in AI debates constructively.
Collaborative approach
A synchronised and holistic approach involving technologists, ethicists, and sociologists can render AI development more ethically significant.
Data protection and privacy
Ethical artificial intelligence should always consider the right to privacy of individuals and maintain a responsible and secure handling of credentials. It ensures compliance and consent with the respective privacy laws and legislation.
Responsibility and accountability
Organisations that are implementing AI systems along with the developers, must be accountable for the results of AI technologies. A clear line should be drawn that reflects the responsibilities and measures for rectifying and addressing the errors and the harmful implications of AI.