Artificial Intelligence. We’ve all heard the term, haven’t we? AI is the manipulation of machinery to operate at the intelligence levels of humans and animals. As hard as it is to believe, it has been around for at least 70 years! Its gradual integration into our society has provided us with the luxury to sit back and relax as they perform mundane tasks and make our jobs a little easier. As it wedges into our society, though, we do well to ask ourselves if Artificial Intelligence (AI) provides more benefits than detriments to our society.

THE PROS:

1. AI has the ability to better our customer service needs. According to Andres Angelani from Soft Vision: “Machine learning and AI are changing that experience… using insights and data to better respond to customers in a personal and relevant way.” This would ultimately result in a more efficient, less frustrating customer experience.
2. Although “It will take careful management and credible industry standards” artificial intelligence will adapt according to the standards set by consumers. It will therefore allow us to be exposed to “digital assistants”, as the CardLinx Association calls them.
3. As we move towards drastic technology changes, many industries show signs of our growing desire to rely on instant answers. Based on statements from Dr. Jeremy Nunn, “AI will allow this to happen instantly while on the job.”
4. As automated technology is not as susceptible to error as humans, AI can determine the most efficient ways to distribute energy worldwide, thus enriching our ecological state.
5. AI has the ability to increase the level of skill within our society. It will allow “marginalized demographics to participate in the workforce roles that previously required decades of training.” Joseph Polevari explains that it will assist in creating more productivity and jobs for struggling populations.
6. As with any technology, it can be used as a tool to enhance our civilization. It can help to educate the next generation and develop a better understanding of the world around us- the goal for the minds that yearn to explore.

THE CONS

1. There is also fear that artificial intelligence has the potential to coordinate global cyber attacks. This, as UCLA professor Matthew Lieberman expresses, puts businesses in a position where they must fight AI with AI.
2. Could you live without your phone? I know I can’t. Individuals worry that the incorporation of AI technology into our lives can result in a world unable to function without it. Instead of it taking over humanity, it has the potential to become our reliant force in carrying out jobs we neglect, creating an imbalance in our society.
3. One known fact about advancing technology is the threat they impose on individuals that make a living doing work a robot could accomplish more efficiently. This is an artificial intelligence fear. However, we can interpret the situation as a call to create new professions and reap the benefits of doing so.
4. With any experiment we never truly know the outcome. This is the case with AI as its changes could promote better health care and technology but could also negatively impact certain social groups. I guess it’s just something we’re going to have to wait on and see. It is unrealistic to think that it will take over the world but artificial intelligence may very well challenge human intelligence. It is a subtle battle that we need to prepare to take on!

With that in mind an advancement to our society always has its pros and cons. Yet at the end of the day it is representative of the progress we are making in our civilization. So embrace it!