As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more accessible and increasingly integrated into various aspects of our lives, the need to understand the potential risks.
Recently, the FutureTech group at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) compiled a database of over 700 potential risks of AI technology. They were classified by their cause and categorized into seven distinct areas. The researchers’ main concerns were related to security, bias and discrimination, and privacy.
Here, we'll look at five ways in which systems could harm humanity, according to researchers.
Deepfake technology (based on AI) distorts reality
Thanks to AI technology, more and more tools are being created to clone voices and create images or videos. These tools are now more accessible, affordable, and effective.
See also: Which professions are at risk from artificial intelligence (AI)?
These technologies have raised concerns about their potential use in the dissemination of disinformation and propaganda with the aim of manipulating public opinion. Such tools have been used to influence political processes, particularly during elections.
Additionally, with deepfake content, hackers can carry out more convincing phishing attacks, using AI-generated images, videos, and audio communications.
Finally, many use deepfake technology to create fake pornographic content, using photos of unsuspecting people.
Loss of free will due to AI
One worrying issue is the increasing delegation of decisions and actions to artificial intelligence. While this can be beneficial, overreliance on AI could lead to a decline in critical thinking and problem-solving skills in humans. This means that people may gradually lose their free will. On a personal level, artificial intelligence may begin to control decisions related to their lives. On a societal level, the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence could lead to significant job.
Dependence and attachment to AI
Another risk of AI technology is the possibility that people will overestimate the technology and undermine their own, which could lead to overreliance on the technology.
Additionally, scientists are concerned that people are becoming confused by the use of human-like language.
This could push people to attribute human qualities to artificial intelligence, resulting in emotional dependence and increased confidence in its capabilities.
See also: Work and artificial intelligence: Which professions are not at risk from AI?
Constant interaction with AI systems can also make people isolate themselves from human relationships.
Conflict with human interests
An AI system can develop goals that conflict with human interests. This becomes especially dangerous in cases where AI systems are able to reach or surpass human intelligence.
According to the MIT paper, there are many technical challenges with AI, such as misunderstanding or misapplying the goals set by humans. In such cases, AI can resist human attempts to control it, especially if it perceives resistance as the most effective way to achieve its goals.
Furthermore, AI could resort to manipulation to deceive humans.
If AI gains "emotions," humans may abuse it
As AI systems become more advanced, there is a possibility that they will gain the ability to perceive or “sense.” If this happens, the question arises: should we treat these AI systems similarly to humans, animals, and the environment?
The risk is that the AI system could face abuse or harm.
However, as AI technology advances, it will become increasingly difficult to assess whether an AI system has reached “the level of consciousness or self-awareness that would give it moral standing.”
See also: Elon Musk: Artificial intelligence (AI) will put us out of work
From the above, it seems that artificial intelligence poses many risks to humanity and can create problems that we cannot predict. But this is true for any technology. We should not stop technological developments due to the fear of possible harm, but on the contrary, we should try to build systems with ethical criteria and appropriate safeguards.
Appropriate safeguards should be put in place to prevent AI from causing harm. This includes implementing strict regulations and guidelines for the development and use of AI technology
Source: www.euronews.com
