The
clock is ticking for the world of science to take the necessary steps
to protect mankind from the deleterious effects of artificial
intelligence, which is increasing by leaps and bounds.
As
someone who is old enough to remember a world without the internet
and smartphones, I am also young enough to wonder where the human
race is heading as computers ‘evolve’ into the unchartered
territory of artificial intelligence (AI).
For
example, a recent report by AP shows that in an increasing number of
local and state courtrooms around America, “judges are now
guided by computer algorithms before ruling whether criminal
defendants can return to everyday life, or remain locked up awaiting
trial.”
The
report went to say that “AI is reshaping, if not eliminating,
some of judges’ most basic tasks — many of which can still have
enormous consequences for the people involved.”
The idea
of computers increasingly deciding our fate brings to mind a slew of
sci-fi Hollywood productions that invariably depicts the future as a
dark, sinister and altogether inhospitable place. Tech-noir box
office hits, like Blade Runner (1982), The Terminator (1984), Brazil
(1985) and The Matrix (1999) have reinforced the singular message:
Where we are now is a far better place than where we are heading.
Despite
such grave predictions from the entertainment industry, as well as
the great science fiction writers, like George Orwell and Aldous
Huxley, mankind has willingly saddled the wild beast known as
technology and is prepared to ride it where it would lead us. And
therein, I believe, lays the tragedy: Our belief that technology is
completely beyond our ability to control. Adhering to such a stance
could be the cause for our ultimate downfall.
In
December, Professor Stephen Hawking spoke about the rise of
artificial intelligence in an interview with Wired magazine. “I
fear that AI may replace humans altogether… If people design
computer viruses, someone will design AI that improves and replicates
itself,” the acclaimed physicist warned.
Hawking
then went on to utter a breathtaking prediction: “This will be a
new form of life that outperforms humans.”
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