Artificial Intelligence: Threat or Salvation?

In recent years, along with technical advances in artificial intelligence (AI), not only has interest in this field grown, but also the expectations of the audience towards such technology. Popular culture, particularly movies and science fiction, often portrays smart robots, created in the likeness of humans, as taking our jobs or even conquering the world and seizing power over humans. But are the fears of alarmists regarding artificial intelligence and its threat to humans justified? Before answering this question, it is necessary to define what artificial intelligence actually is. Artificial intelligence is a computer system that mimics the cognitive processes of the human mind.

The AI model is based on three cognitive skills:

• Learning: AI analyzes large data sets and structures the data using algorithms.
• Reasoning: AI selects the most optimal algorithm for reading data.
• Self-correction: AI eliminates errors in the found algorithm. There are two types of artificial intelligence — strong and weak. If weak AI is trained to perform one specific task, often not requiring significant intellectual effort, then strong AI is intended for tasks that require cognitive abilities akin to the human brain. One component of AI is machine learning, which involves training computer brains to find patterns in data. Machine learning implies that the computer system solves many similar tasks. There are several methods of machine learning, implying different degrees of AI «subjectivity.» For instance, «supervised learning» occurs based on already labeled data, «unsupervised learning» – on unlabeled data, allowing the computer to find similarities in a massive array of data. «Reinforcement learning» involves finding the best algorithm based on previously conducted analysis. Deep learning, a form of machine learning, imitates human like neural networks, enabling computer brains to recognize human speech and images. The potential embedded in technology inevitably causes panic among people. Some marketers and researchers suggest replacing «artificial intelligence» with «augmented intelligence» to reduce the audience’s fear of this technology. Many IT specialists call for calm: artificial intelligence is just our assistant, not an enemy. It can handle monotonous routine tasks in which a person might make a mistake (for example, analyzing a large volume of legal papers). Thus, while it reduces labor productivity, the introduction of AI can solve this problem. Moreover, although AI will take over some monotonous work, it can also create other jobs related to maintaining computer technologies. Another challenge posed by AI is legal regulation. Current laws only indirectly touch on AI: for example, in the U.S. financial sector, AI technologies are often used to determine creditworthiness, and American law requires that credit decisions be explained to the client. Another case concerns the confidentiality of conversations protected by the Constitution, but what about voice assistants that collect user data and improve technology based on overheard conversations? Like any human invention, AI can be both good and evil. Fully regulating this field is impossible, as the law may not keep up with the pace of computer technology growth, and sometimes, if the law is in place, it may become outdated. Thus, responsibility lies with corporations or individuals who must ethically use AI with the intention of improving the lives of their employees and society as a whole.