Is Artificial Intelligence Good or Bad: Debating the Ethics of AI

 On August 4, 1997, Skynet came online to control the weapons arsenal of the United States with a mandate of “safeguarding the world.” Skynet started to learn at a geometric rate and became self-aware at 2:14am on August 29, 1997. Humans saw the artificial intelligence (AI) as a threat and attempted to shut it down. Skynet viewed this as an attack and created a nuclear war between the United States and Russia, killing over three billion people.

Luckily, this is the storyline from the Terminator movies and not real life. But could it be that we’re reaching a point where artificial intelligence is set to take control of humanity and make decisions devoid of emotions like sympathy and empathy? Let’s start the “Is Artificial Intelligence Good or Bad” debate!

Is artificial intelligence good or bad?

AI can be good or bad, it really depends on who you ask and how it is used. High performance computing has already proven a machine’s ability to perform advanced calculations far faster and more accurately than the human mind. The question is: Who should be in control of decision making?

Artificial intelligence vs. deep learning vs. machine learning

Artificial intelligence is nothing new. The term was coined in 1955 by John McCarthy and debated and discussed at the Dartmouth Summer Research Project on Artificial Intelligence in 1955 by the founding fathers of artificial intelligence.

Since then, we’ve seen AI in hundreds of movies and fictional stories from Star Wars and The Avengers to Bicentennial Man and Ex Machina. Unfortunately, there’s no agreed-upon definition of artificial intelligence.

We do know that deep learning and machine learning are subsets of artificial intelligence. Machine learning is based on algorithms and statistical models where a prediction is made based on inputs. Almost all AI is built upon machine learning.

Deep learning is simply about scale since advancements in compute have made it possible to do more processing than traditional machine learning. The key differentiator between machine learning and deep learning, according to one expert, is in the number of layers of nodes that the input data passes through.

Benefits of AI to humanity – Why artificial intelligence is good

Artificial intelligence is poised to benefit humanity in nearly unlimited ways—for example, more accurate clinical imaging and diagnoses, fewer traffic accidents and resulting death and improved retention through immersive learning. With sensors becoming less expensive and wireless networks the norm, AI can help manufacturing plants with:

• Predictive maintenance – Machine learning and deep learning can help manufacturers predict machine failure and increase operating efficiency by reducing unnecessary downtime, repair or replacement and ensuring worker safety.
• Asset management – Sensors and machine learning can also help manufacturers automate the tracking and monitoring of the location, condition, state, and utilization of connected assets throughout the supply chain, enabling them to cut time to market and increase revenue.
• Workforce automation – Finally, AI can help manufacturers grow their businesses with automated logistics for better quality products and improved productivity, production rates, and worker safety.

While these benefits will help manufacturers better compete in the global marketplace, there is a dark side to AI looming ahead.

Combatting the dark side of AI – Why artificial intelligence is bad

Today, conflicts around the world are fought by people with an ever-increasing access to more lethal weapons. But they are still fought by people. While the loss of human life is unavoidable in war, that loss of life and empathy are typically what brings a war to its end.

If we replace “fighters” with autonomous weapons, more civilians will be at risk than ever before.  Machines making decisions on how to attack, who to attack and where to attack—combined with the ability to manipulate networks, communications and security—provide the recipe for a third World War fought between countries and an artificial intelligence.

While this doomsday scenario is likely not in our immediate future, addressing or preventing (or defending against) an autonomously fought war between countries—or other debatable uses of AI—must be on the radar of today’s world leaders.

Using data for good

For manufacturing businesses, a recent article noted: “There’s also no question that artificial intelligence holds the key to future growth and success in manufacturing.” A survey in the same article reported that 44 percent of automotive and manufacturing sector respondents classified artificial intelligence as “highly important” in the next five years, while almost half—49 percent—said it was “absolutely critical to success.”

Artificial intelligence will continue to present massive opportunities for all humankind and be a force for good. By using machine learning and deep learning ethically, we can all solve big problems not only in manufacturing, we can make great progress on solving the world’s problems. More about AI Key Success Factors for Achieving Maximum Business Value

AI is here, so join the movement and help use #dataforgood.

FAQs about the bad and good of AI

What are the positives and negatives of AI?

AI offers several benefits, including automation of repetitive tasks, efficient data analysis, personalized user experiences, and advancements in fields like medicine. On the negative side, AI can lead to job displacement, inherit biases from training data, raise privacy concerns, and create ethical dilemmas.

Will AI help or harm the world?

The impact of AI depends on its development, deployment, and regulation. AI has the potential to bring significant benefits to society, but if not managed properly, it can pose risks such as job displacement, privacy concerns, and biased decision-making. Prioritizing ethics, transparency, and regulation is crucial to maximize AI’s positive impact and mitigate potential harm.

What are the main arguments against AI?

Key arguments against AI include fears of job displacement, ethical concerns regarding privacy and biased decision-making, risks associated with superintelligent AI, and concerns about widening social inequalities and concentrating power.

Does AI have a positive or negative impact on society?

The impact of AI on society is a complex issue. AI can bring positive outcomes such as improved healthcare, enhanced productivity, and personalized services. However, concerns exist regarding job displacement, biased decision-making, privacy infringement, and social inequalities. The net impact of AI on society will depend on ethical considerations, responsible deployment, and inclusiveness.

What are the pros and cons of AI in the workplace?

AI in the workplace offers benefits like increased efficiency, improved decision-making, enhanced productivity, and personalized customer experiences. However, it also presents challenges such as job displacement, skills gap, ethical concerns, and potential difficulties in human-AI collaboration.

Compiled by Chandramani

Data Scientist