Recently, Elon Musk announced the launch of his new company, X.AI Corp, which has brought attention to the growing field of artificial intelligence (AI). As one of the wealthiest individuals in the world, Musk’s move into AI begs the question of what we can expect for the future of humanity.
To begin understanding the impact of AI on our world, we must first establish a foundational understanding of the three main ways AI will drastically change our lives:
1- Productivity
Firstly, AI is revolutionizing productivity. Imagine having an intelligent assistant who can instantly complete tasks for you. While you still need to oversee their work, the time saved is enormous. As a result, companies will require fewer workers for many tasks, causing significant job loss in the white-collar workforce. Those who remain employed will need to possess high levels of problem-solving skills and intelligence.
2- Dependency
Secondly, AI’s powerful productivity means it will be integrated into as many systems as possible. This integration creates a point of dependency, and if the AI is removed or breaks down, entire systems could fail. Additionally, as people become reliant on AI for certain tasks, they may forget how to perform them independently. A good example is the use of GPS systems, which have made navigation easier but have also caused many individuals to rely entirely on them, forgetting how to read a map.
3- “Illusion
Thirdly, as AI is used to create more content and facilitate interactions, it becomes increasingly difficult to discern what is “real.” We have already seen examples of fake news, manipulated images, and chatbots tricking people into believing they are human. In the future, AI could create customized digital worlds that seduce people away from real-world experiences, causing them to become increasingly dependent on the system.
Impossible to stop
Despite the potential risks associated with AI, it is impossible to stop its development and use entirely. There are three ways that AI could be problematic for the public:
- ACCESS: an AI provider could use the threat of revoking access to coerce compliance.
- BIAS: AI can be used to push certain narratives over others, generating biased responses intentionally.
- MANIPULATION: AI companies could limit or enhance the AI ability for users of their choosing, resulting in manipulation.
While AI has significant potential to benefit society, its use also presents risks. To minimize these risks, individuals should take action by building alternative and parallel structures to reduce their dependence on AI.
Elon Musk’s Strategy Regarding AI is to raise public attention to the topic and slow down the progress of competitors while ramping up his company’s AI capabilities. While he acknowledges the risks associated with AI, he also understands its potential and aims to take control to prevent its malicious use against humanity.
To conclude, the world is at a critical juncture regarding AI development and use. While it has enormous potential, its risks cannot be ignored. Therefore, it is crucial to take steps at the individual level to ensure a positive future for humanity.