collective insight
they programmed to act in their best interest?
We have seen how googling a seemingly
innocent phrase can bring up unintended search
results. Susan provides examples of where AI has
gone horribly wrong.
While technology can currently replace many
of the repetitive tasks, it cannot yet replicate the
very human characteristic of empathy. This calls
for human oversight of AI, as well as complete
transparency in technological development.Conclusion
The controlled use of fire by humans (widely
believed to have begun about 300 000 years
ago) was one of the most important technological
advances in our history. It led to significant changes
in human behaviour and diet. Activity no longerhad to be restricted to daylight hours due to the
light the fire provided. Fire offered protection
from predators. The ability to cook food allowed
us to expand our diet to meat and more starchy
vegetables that led to an increased calorie intake.
For all the benefits of fire, it can also
be deadly, destroying homes and animal
habitats and releasing greenhouse gases
into the atmosphere.
Likewise, the progression of AI can have
significant benefits to humankind. However,
we must proceed with caution, lest science-
fiction movies depicting a dystopian future with
machine overlords and human slaves become
science fact. ■
David Kop is an executive director at the Financial Planning
Photo: Shutterstock Institute of Southern Africa.
While technology can currently replace many of the repetitive tasks, it cannot yet
replicate the very human characteristic of empathy. This calls for human oversight of AI,
as well as complete transparency in technological development.