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 earth and daily human life in ways unimaginable. It has already taken tolls on the modern world, such as negatively impacting the environment, being used to do students’ work, replacing jobs and distorting reality beyond recognition.
But, you may be asking, how is AI even powered? Well, Artificial Intelligence companies have facilities which contain hundreds of computers that power data being processed. According to the UN Environment Programme, these complex computers soak up electrical power which needs to be cooled down with water, which is later filtered out and replaced. So, a direct relationship is posed between electrical and water use, where the more rapidly electricity is utilized the faster the water will need to be filtered out. This increase of electrical and water consumption has led to an escalation in the amount of greenhouse gases being emitted, as well as depleting water sources across the country.
Next, it’s common to see among your friends or even yourself using Artificial Intelligence to assist you with your school assignments. Though being helpful at times, many students have reverted to relying on AI, lowering their motivation and success in school. It can help check one’s answers when confused but from an honest standpoint, how many students truly have the ability to hold themselves back with such an easy way out in front of them? Not to be old school, but don’t you think using a web browser, asking a person a question, or going back to checking books is worth saving the earth from further harm?
Furthermore, according to Built In, Artificial Intelligence has been replacing several types of jobs. From artists, graphic designers, software engineers and customer service representatives, AI has impacted various aspects of the job market. Graphic designers, for instance, may face trouble in the future if businesses continue leaning towards relying on AI. Though seeming positive for a company as the software may be fast and cheap when creating an image, it only adds on to the environmental impact. Additionally, some experts think AI may replace entry level jobs when it comes to software engineering. Since certain programs already understand coding languages, they have an opportunity to be developed into an entirely new system. This will further add to the environmental impact, which can be avoided simply by having workers to code.
Finally, Artificial Intelligence has distorted reality to the extent where it is frightening. Recent posts have confused the public, disturbed and tricked them. A primary example of this would be the elderly, who are often unable to suspect when a commercial, video, or phone call is artificially generated. This has led to an increasing number of scams across the internet, not just to the elderly alone. Furthermore, several recent incidents have been reported where scammers attempt to pose as a family member of an individual and ask for payment, using artificial intelligence to recreate the person’s voice. As a result, many are adopting the idea of creating a family “safe word” in order to distinguish if the person is a part of their family or not.
Artificial Intelligence has currently seemed revolutionary, however, it has obviously stirred up controversy relating to its environmental impact, easy access and ability to distort reality. My intentions were to inform one about the truths behind AI usage because many seem to not know how serious of a threat this may pose. Just remember, the easy way out won’t always lead to a positive outcome. As a society, we need to be able to decipher between what is real and what is fake, including the overall threat Artificial intelligence poses if not regulated correctly soon.
