Introduction to AI and its Impact
The rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has led to concerns about its potential impact on society. However, according to researchers, the application of AI might be better compared to the adoption of electricity or the internet rather than nuclear weapons. This comparison may be flawed, but it highlights the need to understand the potential of AI and its actual applications.
The Difference Between AI Methods and Applications
The core point made by researchers is that there is a significant difference between the development of AI methods and their actual applications. AI methods refer to the impressive displays of what AI can do in the lab, while applications refer to the practical uses of AI in real-world scenarios. Historically, the adoption of new technologies has lagged behind their development by decades. For example, the development of electricity and the internet took time to be fully adopted and integrated into society.
The Adoption of AI
The adoption of AI will not be a sudden event, but rather a gradual process. Researchers argue that the discussion of AI’s societal impacts often ignores this process of adoption and expects societal impacts to occur at the speed of technological development. In reality, the adoption of useful artificial intelligence will be more of a trickle than a tsunami.
The Impact of AI on Society
Researchers make several arguments about the impact of AI on society. They argue that terms like "superintelligence" are incoherent and speculative and should not be used. AI will not automate everything, but it will give birth to a new category of human labor that monitors, verifies, and supervises AI. Additionally, AI has the capacity to either help or hurt inequality, labor markets, the free press, and democratic backsliding, depending on how it is deployed.
AI and Capitalism
According to researchers, "AI supercharges capitalism." This means that AI has the potential to exacerbate existing problems in society, such as inequality and labor market issues. However, it also has the potential to help address these problems if it is deployed in a responsible and ethical manner.
The Use of AI by Militaries
One alarming deployment of AI that is not discussed in the essay is the use of AI by militaries. This is a rapidly developing area, and there are concerns that life and death decisions are increasingly being aided by AI. Researchers exclude this use from their essay due to the lack of access to classified information, but they plan to release their research on the subject soon.
Implications of Treating AI as "Normal"
Treating AI as a "normal" technology would have significant implications. It would challenge the position taken by the US government that building the best AI is a national security priority. The US-China "AI arms race" rhetoric would be seen as "shrill," and the focus would shift from competing with China to developing AI in a responsible and ethical manner.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the adoption of AI will be a gradual process, and its impact on society will depend on how it is deployed. Researchers argue that we should focus on the potential of AI to exacerbate existing problems in society rather than creating new ones. By treating AI as a "normal" technology, we can develop it in a responsible and ethical manner and ensure that its benefits are shared by all.
FAQs
- Q: What is the main difference between AI methods and applications?
A: AI methods refer to the development of AI in the lab, while applications refer to the practical uses of AI in real-world scenarios. - Q: How will AI affect the job market?
A: AI will give birth to a new category of human labor that monitors, verifies, and supervises AI. - Q: Can AI help address existing problems in society?
A: Yes, AI has the potential to help address problems such as inequality and labor market issues if it is deployed in a responsible and ethical manner. - Q: What is the current state of AI development in the military?
A: The use of AI by militaries is a rapidly developing area, but researchers do not have access to classified information to fully analyze its impact. - Q: How should we approach the development of AI?
A: We should treat AI as a "normal" technology and focus on developing it in a responsible and ethical manner to ensure that its benefits are shared by all.
