Artificial Intelligence (AI), a broad umbrella term encompassing network of computer systems capable of simulating human-intelligence, reasoning, learning, and perception, is capable of imitating human intelligence using machine learning (ML) algorithms and deep learning methods mimicking human brain-like logical structure of artificial neural networks.
AI and ML algorithms permeate our daily lives and activities augmenting our choices and responses to media feeds, messages or assisting in reaching customer services.
The discourse comparing Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven by algorithms and vast data versus innate cognitive ability of humans Natural Intelligence (NI) is on the rise. Of late the dichotomy between AI and NI is fading as both get intertwined, integrated, and augmented on everyday mundane as well as deep analytical activities.
As AI advances at an unparalleled rate, it’s time to explore the opportunities it presents and probe into potential risks associated with AI and the challenges that NI will have to face with rampant integration of AI in day-to-day life as we look at the road ahead.
Opportunities
Delving deep into the hidden doors of opportunities the confluence of AI with NI has potential to open. AI, driven by the power of machine learning, algorithms, and vast data analysis, can enhance the pace of human performance.
By integrating precision and automation to perform mundane tasks faster and complementing natural intelligence to improve decision-making. Thus AI, if used as a tool, can improve efficiency and human productivity. So, the need of the hour is augmentation, not shunning or substitution.
AI has already begun to transform transportation, business, marketing, and management. Self-driving autonomous vehicles have hit the road already transforming travel and shipment. Similarly, shelf check out billing counters and robots going round and round aisle-by-aisle scanning for goods to be restocked has begun a common site at shopping malls.
On the manufacturing and marketing side of industry AI supports industries by optimising supply chains, predicting consumer behaviuor, and targeting audience specific commercials. AI assisted chat boxes and voice support have become a norm in customer support already.
In the health sector AI-powered machine learning algorithms generated diagnostic tools assisting doctors in early diagnosis and designing the right course of treatment plan. Similarly, in education, personalised learning systems to address and assist individual student learning needs apart from aiding in lesson plan, generating educational material have been implemented in many schools and colleges.
It’s only a matter of time before AI-powered systems monitor and provide services like telemedicine and virtual classrooms.
Challenges
As we inch towards quantum computing expanding the binary bits of classical computers into qubits capable of superposition in both the one and zero states concomitantly, quantum supremacy is likely to become a reality by amplifying computing power at an unimaginable pace. While reiterating the opportunities that integration of AI in daily life has created, we should not undermine the risks associated with AI as well.
This sharp double-edged sword brings multifaceted risks associated with it as well. While on the physical side, job displacement, particularly loss of low paying manual, repetitive jobs in large numbers could create further divide among blue collar vs white collar jobs.
As the saying goes, an empty mind is a devil’s workshop, governments and policy makers should invest in creative retraining and repurposing programs to mitigate this risk.
Bias and accountability are another big elephant in the room. AI algorithms can propagate biases and discrimination if trained on skewed datasets. These could lead to privacy violations, targeted attacks leading to societal mistrust.
Another potential misuse could be AI-powered autonomous cyberweapons attacking both real landscape and cyberspace. Moreover, attacks on humans via machine developed autonomous systems raise moral and ethical questions about accountability.
These moral-ethical dilemmas call for transparency, accountability, and justness in AI based system design. Machines can be an obedient servant but a ruthless master. Thus, technological advancement needs to go hand-in-hand with ethical considerations to mitigate these risks. Integration of robotic arms with a humane heart will shape a true compassionate holistic augmentation.
The road ahead
Looking ahead, the road of integration of AI and NI calls for a harmonious coexistence. Policymakers, researchers, and leaders must work in unison to set ethical frameworks focusing on transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness in regulations.
Similarly, international treaties must be signed to avoid AI borne possible humanitarian crises. Educational systems must incorporate holistic education and human values of empathy and cooperation to equip robotic arms of AI to install a compassionate heart and fair ethical reasoning head in it to make it an augmented reality complementary to the natural human intelligence.
In summary, when AI is intertwined with natural intelligence, it has the potential to speed up time of performing routine tasks. Thus, freeing up time allows humans to focus on creative endeavors and critical thinking.
This 21st century calls for the placid integration of artificial intelligence infused with human values to act in synergy with natural human intelligence – a machine with the heart of Buddha.
