With current artificial intelligence solutions being fragmented and still in their developmental stage, picturing a world where AI drives and supports every aspect of human life is challenging.
Next time you read about Artificial Intelligence (AI), it is recommended to step back from the technicalities and seek a wider discussion on the long-term impacts of this technology. You may come across expressions like “AI will unveil unanticipated commercial prospects” and “it will have an even greater impact than what we acknowledge presently” signifying the potential and future influence of AI on our lives.
The prevalent usage of such terminology is not by chance. With the current state of Artificial Intelligence being scattered and in its infancy, it is tough to imagine a world where every aspect of human life is backed by AI. It is easier to visualize the possibilities of a new technology in the near future by examining the impact of significant advancements over the past few centuries. However, forecasting the short-term and long-term consequences of a technology remains an uncertain task.
The advent of steam and water-powered machinery in the second half of the eighteenth century was predicted to lead to improved working environments and heightened efficiency. Nonetheless, the extensive repercussions of the first industrial revolution, such as urbanization, improved standards of living, better access to hygiene facilities, higher population rate and much more, were not foreseen at that time.
Undoubtedly, technology has made a significant impact prior to and post the industrial revolution. The influence of mobile phones on our lives, for instance, was unforeseeable. Other means of transportation like computers, airplanes, television and automobiles have also revolutionized society. Artificial Intelligence, as a burgeoning technology, holds immense potential to transform the world. However, comprehending its impact calls for a comparative study to the achievements of previous technologies.
Though predicting the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is impossible, one can make informed guesses. Based on patterns observed in other transformational technologies, one can foresee how AI may impact society in the years to come. Here are some of the likely implications of AI on society.
Adjusted Approach
To comprehend the entire potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI), it is crucial to examine its present influence on the workplace. Businesses from various sectors are already utilizing AI-based solutions, which creates an ideal foundation to speculate on the long-term outcomes of this technology. Additionally, current AI research primarily focuses on enhancing and mechanizing human abilities through Machine Learning, as highlighted in recent AI research.
For a significant duration, the automobile and healthcare sectors have been utilizing semi-intelligent alternatives to conventional energy forms. Although the use of assembly robots and drug research software has become comparatively common, their potential is being expanded and supplemented with more complex algorithms, particularly those fuelled by progressively advanced Machine Learning applications.
The incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the workplace is progressively becoming more widespread, with smart chatbots, deep learning systems and collaborative robots being employed in various industries. Yet, the most radical impact of AI on white-collar jobs is yet to be entirely revealed. This impact holds immense potential to revolutionize the way businesses operate and the way people work.
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) has been in use for a considerable time, and therefore, it was expected that industrial processes would eventually become automated. However, the concept of cognitive automation forms that can function in the workplace is fairly recent and holds immense potential to trigger significant upheaval. Additionally, Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies that gather data for analysis and to offer insights are constantly becoming more sophisticated, which will significantly impact all industries.
With the use of complex algorithms, businesses can now predict changes in customer behavior, offer personalized and bespoke products and services, enhance customer service and even revolutionize their operations, which allows them to remain productive around the clock. The notion of working hours is already familiar, but the ability to execute various activities without looking at the clock is increasingly becoming the norm.
With the aid of the internet, it is now possible to buy a pillow in the middle of the night or get insurance on a Sunday. The ‘always-on’ approach is being fueled by the increasing prevalence of AI-enabled platforms and devices, which means that almost every business task can now be accomplished at any time. Amazon’s automated Go shop is an excellent preview of the future. With more stores replacing human staff, it is highly probable that soon all stores will remain open for 24 hours.
Redefining the Human Condition
Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration in the workplace is quickly becoming redundant, with the first completely autonomous vehicles projected to hit the market in the next five years, alongside ongoing testing. As it stands, one in four American households own a smart speaker, facial recognition technology is being used for airport security, and robots are already serving customers at selected hotels and cafes, as highlighted in recent developments. In brief, the proliferation of automated systems is gradually removing workers from labor-intensive jobs.
As we step into a new age of innovation, it is challenging to foresee how Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions will shape our society when they become ubiquitous. Speculations are being made on how AI may revolutionize the human experience, especially with regards to basic necessities, transportation, and entertainment. Undoubtedly, we are facing a rapidly transforming future, yet many questions remain unanswered.
As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to advance and gradually assumes tasks that have conventionally been considered uniquely human, such as creating music, poetry and interpreting emotions, it will prompt us to reevaluate the meaning of being human. If we are no longer required to spend our entire day working or learn foreign languages to communicate with each other, and we can delegate tasks to robots, this will allow us to enjoy and appreciate the essence of human experience.
As technology based on artificial intelligence continues to progress, our place in a more interconnected society than ever before will become more prominent, as highlighted in recent tech advancements. Given this scenario, it is easy to imagine a future where we are all linked, and there is always a device within our grasp that can interpret our thoughts. Additionally, extensive databases may track our every move, allowing us to receive personalized satisfaction for all our needs and wants.
It is logical that the notion of being perpetually cared for is alluring to some people. The thought of always having someone to look after us offers a sense of reassurance. Nevertheless, some people are apprehensive that constant monitoring and connectivity may require us to forsake our individual liberties to attain collective security. This is a debatable topic with sound arguments on both sides of the divide.
The realization that advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) can introduce a future of convenience and better quality of life is widely acknowledged. While this could usher in a new era of enlightenment, it is vital to remember that embracing such progress does not mandate that we surrender our individual identities. Rather, it presents an opportunity to reassess what our identities imply and how these might transform in the realm of this new technology. Hence, it is apparent that the potential of an AI-driven future is indisputable.
Considering the likely outcomes of a world where Artificial Intelligence (AI) solely powers all aspects of life is crucial. This exercise is not only prudent but also essential to guarantee that we have a comprehensive understanding of the potential consequences and benefits associated with this scenario.
