How is the future of AI viewed?

As we have considered, AI developments are not inherently bad nor good, they simply are, and the way an individual feels about AI depends on the narrative angle adopted.

Two popular narratives that contrast directly are that (1) AI is going to improve the world exponentially and (2) AI is going to destroy Earth. 

AI as an aid to humanity: 

Image from StockSnap.io

From this perspective, AI is expected to improve several sectors of society (transport, healthcare, education, childcare, environment) and is on track to become an integral part of everyday living. It is already well adopted in the business and education sectors (think ChatGPT). Although its use is certainly contested and dependent on data validity, from an optimistic stance, AI is useful in data mining, maximising efficiency and organisation. If fully developed and applied ethically, AI has and will improve the standard of living in the future.

AI is the end of humanity:

Image from Jakob Nielsen

In contrast, many believe, as we have seen, that developing AI will bring about the end of humanity. This perspective stems from a fear of AI outsmarting human intelligence and stealing jobs, and often aligns with the fear of AI being used “in the wrong hands”. The future with AI is unknown, leaving existential risk possible.

• Uncritical positive thinking  (AI will solve all our problems) or excessively negative thinking (AI is an immediate existential threat) do not provide a complete or nuanced picture of AI. 
• AI is here to stay and will play an essential part in our human future, so it makes sense to develop an informed, critical, and balanced view of this important technology.

TASK: Watch the 2024 TED Talk, “AI Is Dangerous, but Not for the Reasons You Think” by Sasha Luccioni.

As you watch, consider whether or not you agree with the presenter’s viewpoint. How do you feel after watching the video?