What initially posed as a gateway to creativity and innovation has recently turned into a destructive weapon, endangering the future of every generation. Though first seen as helpful to get advice, ideas and solutions, Artificial Intelligence has been overengineered so that if citizens don’t speak against it now, it will continue to alter life on Earth as now known, in ways unimaginable. It is already taking a toll impacting our environment negatively based on power and water consumption, as well as being used to replaced a students’ work load, ultimately replacing human interaction in the workforce. AI has potential to distort reality of human recognition, not being able to discern fact from fiction.
You may be asking, how is AI even powered? Well, Artificial Intelligence companies have facilities which contain computer installations that accelerate the data being being processed. These complex computers require vast amounts of electrical power which then need equipment cooling using precious water resources which again requires filtering before being replaced. A direct relationship is posed between the combination of electrical and water use, where the increase in electricity utilized, requires further water consumption and processing. This increase of electrical and water consumption has led to an escalation in greenhouse gases being emitted, as well as depleting critical water supply sources across the country.
Furthermore, it may become common place to see yourself or others using Artificial Intelligence to accomplish school assignments. Though being helpful at times, students may revert to a reliance on AI, possibly lowering motivational attributes and an individual’s success in learning. It can help check one’s answers when confused but from an honest standpoint, how many students truly have the ability to regulate themself with such an alternative available? Perhaps possibly considered “Old School,” do you feel using a web browser, asking in person questions, or book researching is worth the effort while saving the earth’s environment from further harm at the same time?
Furthermore, AI has impacted various aspects of the job market. Artificial Intelligence has been replacing several types of job fields from art, graphic design, software engineering and the service industry. Graphic designers will face future opposition when business continues moving towards their reliance on AI. Though seemingly positive for companies as software production may be faster and cheap when creating an image, it again adds to environmental impact. Additionally, some experts think AI may replace entry level jobs when it comes to software engineering. Programs already exist that understand software coding language which opens opportunity for development of an entirely new programming system. These events will add to further environmental impact, which can be avoided by simply retaining current levels of human interaction.
Lastly, Artificial Intelligence has been traced to distorting reality levels to the extent where it’s considered even frightening. Recent advertisement and social-media posts have confused the public by trickery. A prime example of this could be the elderly, who are often unable to suspect when a commercial, video, or phone call is artificially generated. This issue has led to increasing numbers of scams perpetrated across the internet, not confined to the elderly population. Furthermore, several recent incidents are reported where it is known that scammers pose as family member, or needy individuals asking for payment, using artificial intelligence to replicate a person’s voice. As a result, many people are adopting the idea of creating a known family “safe word” in order to distinguish if such a personal request is legitimately a family member or not.
Artificial Intelligence although seemingly revolutionary, has obviously however stirred up numerous controversies. Some of which issues relate to the potential environmental impact, ease of public access, human interaction and a potential to distort truth from reality. Intentionally I chose this topic to focusing on pending and future AI related issues as readers need be informed and begin a process of forward thinking on this matter. At present, the truths behind AI engineering and usage may not be obvious because much of the AI implementation has been shrouded in secrecy. To many, it may not pose at serious threat just yet. But it is time for awareness and to remember lessons learned, that the easy way out does not always lead to positive outcome. In society, we need to adapt quickly to be able to decipher between what is actually real and what is not, including the overall threat Artificial Intelligence poses when not regulated and if correctly implemented.
