To AI or Not to AI

 To AI or Not To AI

Mankind has evolved, throughout history, with a terrible sense of the fear of the unknown, until such time as they are reasonably comfortable that what really was not apparent then is definitely something of value now. When typewriters were first invented of scribes across the world went up in arms claiming that this new “technology” would drive them out of their livelihoods. We saw the same scenario play out when word-processing entered our domain and the poor secretary had to be laid to rest. Yes, many jobs went out of the window. However, new roles emerged with training and education. Re-training was the order of the day. Finally, the MD was sending out his own mail. Thanks to AOL, Hotmail, Yahoo, and Google.

Every new invention or technology, development has always brought fears in the hearts and minds of people. That is inevitable I believe in a species who can think for themselves and analyze situations making their own conclusions about the good, bad, and ugly of the possible outcomes. Every new gadget that evolves with time also has its own merits and demerits. Some people don’t een change cars after they have put all their confidence into their old faithful Morris Minor, Peugeot, or Volkwagen.

When TV was first introduced in Saudi Arabia the Mullah’s all rose up against this new innovation, claiming that it had the potential of feeding evil into the minds of the people. The wise, late King Feisal, at the time, asked the TV station to broadcast the recitation of the Qur’an on TV and the anti-TV brigade backed off. Today, TV is one of the prime sources of information, across the globe, although we are fully aware that it can also be used to broadcast negativity, pornography, and other doctored material that may have adverse effects on growing minds.

Now AI has entered the stage. Many voices who understand the technology, its workings, capabilities, and advantages are more than willing to grab it with both hands and make maximum use of its mammoth potential. Another set of people are grappling with the fear that this will be a monster who will take over our world and make us its slave. Some even believe that AI will eventually feel emotion and develop consciousness, and create its own soul. Phew!

All of these fears are totally unfounded. Of course there will always be unpredictable outcomes with any new technology or device. The real danger is based on how we make use of it for the benefit of mankind. It is vital to understand the capabilities and limitations of AI, and develop ethical guidelines for its effective use to ensure that it benefits society as a whole.

The key to acceptance is awareness. The unknown may look scary. But, as my late grandpa always taught me, “never ventured, never won”.

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Fazli