Artificial Intelligence: Too Much of a Good Thing?

By: Chrysoula P.                                  Global Issue                                     5/21/15

        The advent of computers and the technological revolution have advanced the world in all areas including education, medicine, business, and government. We have access to information in a moment’s notice making it possible to learn more and make better decisions in our everyday life and long-term goals. Medicine uses technology to assist in diagnoses and cures while businesses use technology to become more efficient. It would seem that there is no end to how important technology has become in our lives. Then, comes a new more advanced version in technology called artificial intelligence (AI), defined as computer systems able to perform tasks that  normally require human intelligence, such as translation between languages, decision-making, speech recognition, and visual perception. These systems can “think” and make intelligent suggestions and decisions about subjects such as what medications should be used or solve a problem in a fraction of the time that a human would solve it. Artificial intelligence is computer systems programmed to solve problems using “human intelligence,” however, it is not equivalent to the intelligence of a person and lacks morality and intuition, and should at all costs be controlled through safeguards. AI can make decisions but what are they based on and who or what benefits in the end?

        On November 5, 2014, the New York Times posted an article stating that artificial intelligence could well become a threat if not checked and if safeguards are not carefully instituted. In his article, Nick Bilton warns that AI could cause a threat to humanity in many forms. Firstly, AI could be programmed to solve a problem like cancer and determine that the best way to treat it would be by exterminating humans who carry the genes that are prone to the disease. Another possibility could be the harm a malicious person could do if he were to get hold of this technology. Bilton warns that “we are starting to create machines that can make decisions like humans, but these machines don’t have morality and likely never will.”^1. Artificial intelligence is now being studied in the military, as well. While I would prefer to see robots fighting robots rather than soldiers fighting soldiers, I wonder what a rogue robot or one reprogrammed by the enemy could do to its own battalion. A robot can serve well in defense, however, would it be programmed to show empathy or morals? How much of these emotions can soldiers safely present when trying to defend themselves and attack? Given the complicated and wide ranging emotions that humans possess, how can we successfully create an artificial intelligence that also presents these “other” intelligences. Bilton is also concerned that in the long run, the best use of these artificial intelligence systems will be to use them to create even smarter machines, called superintelligent machines. But, once created, how can we adjust or fix them if they are smarter than we are? How can we be sure that they are doing what we want, if we cannot monitor what they are doing and they are smart enough to show us only what they choose to show? That, experts say, “is when things could really spiral out of control as the rate of growth and expansion of machines would increase exponentially.” ^2. This progress can reach limitless possibilities. How can one control it? James Barrat, author of “Our Final Invention: Artificial Intelligence and the End of the Human Era,” believes that we rule the earth because of our intelligence and that “when there is something smarter than us on the planet, it will rule over us on the planet.” ^3. We, humans, currently rule the world because of our intelligence, so what is to say that a smarter system cannot take over? On the other hand, who is to say that it might not be a good thing, given the corruption and greed that exists in human emotions. These superintelligent systems would choose what is best for the survival of the race or the most efficient way to solve a problem not the best way to make a profit.

        The Wall Street Journal wrote an article on December 11, 2014, defending artificial intelligence and insisting that it is not a threat. ^5.In his essay, Gary Marcus argues that superintelligent machines are a long way off from practicality. He insists, that instead of focusing on artificial intelligence, we should focus on mediocre computer programs that can cause significant damage if left unchecked. He believes that we should not abandon the good that artificial intelligence brings with it, like the high quality medicine it can provide in disadvantaged areas or driverless cars that will probably save more lives than human drivers. He, like all artificial intelligence critics believes that only safeguards can protect us from its control. The problem is that this field is so new, that nobody yet knows what this oversight should consist of.

        In an effort to study and anticipate the effects of artificial intelligence and how it will affect all areas of life, Stanford University will be hosting a 100-year study.^6. Top researchers will consider how advances in artificial intelligence will influence people and society, and the long-term implications on people and the earth. The conferences will focus on how AI will affect automation, national security, psychology, ethics, law, privacy, democracy and other issues.^7.  Recently, Stanford President, John Hennessy, who helped initiate the project said, “Artificial intelligence is one of the most profound undertakings in science, and one that will affect every aspect of human life.”^8. It looks like the AI100 study is a move in the right direction with its far-sighted determination to help society determine the correct path for an artificial intelligence future. While many opponents are fearful of what artificial intelligence can ultimately result in, they all recognize that its progress cannot be stopped. Safeguards are the only option because progress is unceasing.

^1. Bilton, Nick

^2. Bilton, Nick

^3. Barrat, James

^4. Barrat, James

^5. Marcus, Gary

^6. Cesare, Christopher

^7. Cesare, Christopher

^8. Cesare, Christopher

Sources:

Barrat, James. Our Final Invention: Artificial Intelligence and the End of the

      Human Era. Print.
Bilton, Nick. "Artificial Intelligence as a Threat." The New York Times. The New 
      York Times, 05 Nov. 2014. Web. 16 Dec. 2014.
Cesare, Christopher. "Stanford to Host 100-year Study on Artificial Intelligence." 
      Stanford University. Stanford University, 16 Dec. 2014. Web. 16 Dec. 2014.
Marcus, Gary. "Artificial Intelligence Isn't a Threat-Yet." WSJ. Wall Street Journal, 
      11 Dec. 2014. Web. 17 Dec. 2014.
Turner, Bambi. "10 Ways Artificial Intelligence Will Affect Our Lives." Discovery. 
      Discovery, 13 Dec. 2010. Web. 17 Dec. 2014.