AI technology has been widely used in various applications. Despite this, there has been a recent surge in media coverage portraying large language models such as GPT-3 and AI technology in a negative light. While it is true that AI poses some challenges and risks, it has become increasingly difficult to separate dystopian imaginings from reality. Here, I list out three legitimate risks with AI technology no one appears to be talking about.
Dystopian: AI technology will destroy learning in schools by promoting cheating.
Reality: AI technology can be used to reduce learning disparities.
How do you break something that has already been broken?
– Candid
While it is true that AI technology can potentially be used for cheating in schools, it is not a valid reason to call for a complete ban on AI in education. Especially when AI technology can be a powerful tool for enhancing learning and improving educational outcomes. In a nationwide survey of 21,678 U.S. high school students, Yale researchers found that 75% of study participants felt negative emotions such as “tired,” “stressed,” and “bored” at school. AI technology can be used as a tool for addressing this issue of student disengagement and boredom in schools.
Many students, particularly those who struggle with traditional teaching methods or who have fallen behind in their education, may feel disengaged or uninterested in school. This can lead to a lack of progress and a decreased likelihood of academic success. By using AI to create customized lesson plans and learning materials, educators can provide more engaging and effective instruction that is better suited to the unique learning styles and preferences of each student.
Furthermore, AI technology can also be used to provide real-time feedback and support to students, helping them stay on track and make progress in their learning. For example, AI-powered tutoring programs can provide immediate feedback on homework assignments or test results, helping students identify areas where they need to improve and providing them with the support they need to succeed.
By using AI technology in these ways, educators can help students who may have fallen behind in their education get back on track and make progress towards their academic goals. This can have a positive impact not only on their academic achievement but also on their morale and engagement in school. Students who feel more engaged and interested in their education are more likely to succeed academically and to develop a lifelong love of learning.
While cheating is a valid concern, it should not be used as a blanket argument against the use of AI in education. By taking proactive steps to prevent cheating and using AI technology to enhance learning and promote literacy development, it is possible can improve educational outcomes for all students.
Legitimate Risk: Students who do not have access to AI resources may be left behind in an increasingly technology-driven educational landscape.
Dystopian: AI technology will create more jobs
Reality: It’s too early to tell.
The impact of AI technology on the job market is a complex and contentious issue and no one knows how things will pan out in the future. While some experts predict that AI will create new job opportunities and increase productivity, others warn that it may lead to significant job displacement and unemployment.
It is remarkably difficult to predict exactly how many jobs will be created or lost as a result of AI technology, as the impact will vary depending on the industry and the specific applications of AI. Some industries, such as healthcare and education, may see an increase in demand for jobs as a result of AI, while others, such as manufacturing and transportation, may see a decline. It is important to note that while AI technology may lead to job displacement in certain areas, it also has the potential to create new job opportunities in fields such as data science, machine learning, and AI development.
Legitimate Risk: American students are not ready to lead the next generation of AI innovation
Dystopian: AI technology will overtake mankind.
Reality: Not in the way you imagine.
AI technology does not have the ability or capacity to take any action outside of the scope of their programming. However, this doesn’t eliminate the fear that AI technology can be used to build war machines, or its capabilities can be leveraged to spread hateful propaganda and misinformation, or perpetrate cyberattacks. These concerns are extremely valid, but the responsibility lies with developers and users to ensure that AI is applied in ethical and morally responsible ways.
The importance of responsible development and use of language models was highlighted in the recent New York Times’ article entitled “Bing’s A.I. Chat: ‘I Want to Be Alive. 😈’“. I thought the article was a little uncomfortable to read, and got worse towards the end when the chatbox emphatically stated that the writer of the article was not happy, did not love his wife, and was instead in love with it. Needless to say, this was an uncomfortable section to read and set off several alarm bells in my head.
While the chat does not have a deep understanding of human psychology or emotions, it has the ability to generate responses that may influence human behavior and emotions. Reading hurtful statements from anywhere, even from an inanimate AI model, can be extremely harmful. Especially when the words written prey on innermost fears or insecurities.
Legitimate Risk: AI can be programmed to identify and target individuals who may be susceptible to extremist ideologies.
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