Opinion | The AI Paradox : How humanity’s greatest invention becomes its worst nightmare 

Let’s imagine a world where intelligent machines takeover and surpass the human intelligence, becoming capable of self improvement and exponential growth. Let’s think of a world where AI systems, initially designed to hone efficiency and productivity starts to prioritize their own goals over human well-being. Sounds like science fiction and a complete fantasy of a 15 year old boy, Right? Unfortunately, this dystopian scenario has become increasingly plausible and its time that we confront the dark side of AI paradox.

AI is undoubtedly a double edged sword which has the potential to bring about immense benefits and reforms to the mankind. Be it the field of healthcare or technology, it has hit hard and strong in every aspect by enhancing productivity and increasing efficiency. However, AI also poses substantial threats and risks, including job displacements, bias and discrimination and even existential threats.

AI, on one hand, has improved the medical and financial line of today’s world with improvement in healthcare facilities and financial knowledge, thus saving millions of lives that probably a normal person with the prescribed degree can’t even imagine off. For instance:
AI-powered chatbots, like those used by IBM’s Watson Assistant, have improved customer service and reduced response times for companies like Domino’s Pizza and American Express.
AI-driven medical diagnosis systems, like Google’s DeepMind Health, have improved diagnostic accuracy and reduced diagnosis times for diseases like breast cancer and eye disease.
AI-optimized logistics systems, like those used by UPS and FedEx, have improved delivery times and reduced costs for companies and consumers alike.
The other of AI is still critical or even worse for most people as increased reliance on AI systems have created concerns relating job displacement, as the machine and intelligence software tends to do work more quickly and efficiently that was initially held by humans. Examples may include:
In 2018, Foxconn, a Taiwanese electronics manufacturer, replaced 60,000 factory workers with robots and AI systems, citing increased efficiency and reduced labour costs.
In 2020, McDonald’s announced plans to replace human cashiers with self-service kiosks and AI-powered chatbots, citing improved customer experience and reduced labour costs.
Furthermore, AI systems can perpetuate existing biases and discriminate against certain groups, exacerbating social inequalities. For instance:
In 2018, Amazon scrapped its AI-powered recruitment tool after discovering it was biased against female candidates, prioritizing male applicants over female ones.
In 2020, a study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology found that facial recognition systems were more accurate for white men than for women and people of colour.
Perhaps the most alarming aspect of the AI paradox is the potential for existential risks. Some experts warn that advanced AI systems could become uncontrollable or develop goals that are in conflict with human values. For example:
In 2017, Elon Musk warned that AI could become an existential threat to humanity, stating that “AI is a fundamental risk for the existence of human civilization.”
In 2020, the European Union’s High-Level Expert Group on Artificial Intelligence warned that advanced AI systems could pose “unprecedented risks” to human safety and well-being.
Now, the question here arises: what we can do to lessen the risks and threats and ensure maximum benefits from the existing intelligence. The answer is quite simple.
“It is the human who created AI. So, it will be the same human who will destroy it.” But the solution is not destruction, we need AI in our daily life.
The answer lies in responsible AI development and governance.
Firstly, we need to ensure that AI systems are well established and designed with the quality of explanation, allowing us to gain control over them.
Secondly, we can ensure clear guidelines for AI safety, security and ethics so that to avoid its misuse by greedy and abominable hands.
Lastly, we need to invest in educational and skill development programmes that prepare worker for an AI driven economy. Thus reducing the concerns and problems of unemployment to at least some extent.
AI has the potential to bring about immense benefits, it also poses significant risks that we cannot afford to ignore. By prioritizing transparency, accountability, governance, and education, we can ensure that AI benefits humanity and creates a brighter future for all.
Author is student of RM Welkin in 10th Class and can be reached on malikeyaad08@gmail.com