Will AI do more good or more harm in the future?
This post was written by a student. It has not been fact checked or edited.
AI is ever-changing and is constantly evolving. Currently, AI is not very sustainable for example, training one AI system can release over 295,000 kilograms of carbon dioxide, which is almost 5 times the amount of which a car produces or pumps out in its lifetime and 27 litres of water are used to cool AI systems that run in data centres. Many people also use AI for homework and schoolwork rather than doing it themselves or asking someone for help.
The debate over whether AI will ultimately cause more good or more harm is a crucial topic. On one hand, AI has the potential to do some significant good. It can enhance our efficiency in analysing test results and giving diagnoses, reduce waste, optimizing energy consumption in buildings by analyzing usage patterns, assist farmer in seeing which plants need fertilizing/watering and when which till help to reduce waste/over watering and increase crop yields, asking for input on how to face environmental challenges and a whole lot more.
On the other hand, there are concerns regarding the wide impact of AI. The development and use of AI technologies can be very energy intensive, particularly with large data centers and the training of extensive models that demand a lot of resources. Furthermore, the sourcing of the materials necessary for AI hardware, such as rare metals, can result in harm to our environment and the disappearing certain of resources. Also, there is a possibility that AI can lead to the lack of job roles for humans or worsen the inequalities that are faced.
Ultimately, whether AI proves to cause more good or more bad hinges on our choice regarding its regulation and use. If we prioritise sustainable practices and maintain the thought of ethics, we can use the advantages wile reducing the effect of disadvantages and drawbacks. The aim should be to gain a balance to promote and encourage a more sustainable future, ensuring that the progress of technology positively impacts both our society and environment. By addressing the challenges and speaking up for responsible AI usage, we can unlock potential for significant change.
Comments (1)
I agree with you, but I dare to add that the future of AI depends on the choices we make today, the regulation of AI should start now as a lack of foresight and control can result in great harm in the future. As good as AI is, one thing we must not forget is that AI can further widen the gap between the rich and the poor which might lead to unrest and instability in the future for example the wealth gotten from AI is likely to go to those who own and control the technology, AI driven cars which are mostly going to be owned by the rich will replace jobs done by lower income people this will lead to more people losing their jobs, the wealthy will have a greater access to education, healthcare and other important services so it important that AI is distributed widely and not just concentrated in the hands of a few.
If we direct AI research and development to solving the global issues we currently face like climate change, diseases, hunger and poverty, for example in the area of agriculture we are sure of increased food security this will help address hunger and malnutrition. As we envisage the uncertain future that AI bring, I believe we can all work together to shape a future where AI will enhance everyone's lives, promote growth and a better world.