Artificial intelligence used to seem like something that could only be realized in a big-budget science fiction movie. Now, it’s part of the everyday discussion regarding business, art, and even science. While AI is still relatively new, it has sparked enough controversy that you’d think it’s an ancient institution.
The implications of AI regarding privacy, artistry, employment, and business are highly discussed and debated. One thing is for sure: AI is affecting society in many ways right before our eyes. The effect of AI on society, privacy, the economy, and even the environment is important to consider.
AI is an Invaluable Resource
AI is more than a trending buzzword, especially in business. Countless businesses see AI for what it is: another tool to gather information, increase their reach, and streamline their operations. After all, AI programs step outside the typical thought processes that even the most brilliant businesspeople get stuck in.
Today, AI is reshaping society because of how it affects so many businesses and institutions that affect daily life. Whether it be healthcare, business, or media, the role of AI in each institution varies.
Maximize Business Efficiency
Efficiency is essential to business longevity. This is typically achieved by pouring over tons of data, recognizing patterns, and adjusting processes. AI makes efficiency much easier and faster to achieve, all by using the same data. A business can feed all its data to a predictive AI program and set an intention.
From there, the program can provide insights and highlight problems and limitations. While the AI cannot fix such problems, it may be able to offer suggestions, depending on the program. Otherwise, a business can use this information to adjust limitations accordingly.
This is one of many ways AI is used in business. While this is great for the business, it must be done ethically. It’s critical to include many employees and supervisors in the process to avoid replacing them and holding an AI program’s suggestions more dearly.
Aid in Healthcare
The importance of healthcare in society cannot be overstated. The potential for AI to aid in disease detection and quick diagnoses has piqued the interest of the healthcare industry. Many healthcare establishments have also considered the potential for AI to boost efficiency.
Whether it be reducing wait times or expediting diagnoses, AI can make a huge impact. Even still, much controversy surrounds the debate about using AI in healthcare. The ethical implications of exposing data, consent, patient security, and automation remain.
That’s especially true when it comes to using AI for health insurance claims. AI has yet to be widely introduced to the healthcare world. Until then, many healthcare institutions and AI developers continue to search for ways to ethically introduce AI to the industry.
Impact the Media
There’s no doubt that AI art has recently been a controversial debate. The worry that AI will replace the need for artists is real and continues to grow. That said, many believe that using AI to create art doesn’t eliminate the need for artists.
For example, marketing campaigns that utilize both AI programs and real artists are possible. Film studios like Lionsgate have even penned agreements with AI firms to develop movie ideas. In that case, Lionsgate promises to conduct ethical business and utilize writers, directors, and producers throughout the process.
While many worry about the use of AI in media, that recent deal shows the potential for AI to work in conjunction with real artists. It’s too soon to say whether this integration will work well, but the potential is incredible if done right.
AI is Not Without Its Faults
AI’s impact on society and business is exciting, but it carries many unknowns. However, many people and organizations have voiced concerns about certain pitfalls of AI, such as:
Environmental Impact
It’s too soon to determine just how much AI will impact the environment. However, the hardware and water demands required to produce and operate AI systems are significant. For example, ChatGPT uses roughly 2 liters of water per 50 responses generated.
That’s because ChatGPT uses water to cool its servers to continually generate responses to queries. AI also requires many natural resources to produce computers and microchips. The concern is that this will quickly deplete resources as AI becomes more widespread.
Naturally, running AI servers also produces lots of electronic waste, which is another environmental concern. The predicted popularity of AI-driven cars also has dark environmental implications. Now that many countries use AI, many people hope that they will introduce guidelines that consider the environment.
Job Elimination
The implications of AI on the workforce have consistently been a talking point in every industry. After all, why wouldn’t a company cut costs and replace employees because of newfound technology? However, that doesn’t need to be the case if AI is ethically introduced to each industry it’s used in.
This can keep the unemployment rate low while also benefiting businesses that use AI. There’s no doubt that AI will at least affect the way many industries operate. However, many people continue to work hard at figuring out how AI can be used without displacing jobs.
Privacy Threats
AI uses data to generate responses, information, and concepts. The type of data AI uses varies, but the possibility of it using private data is a big concern. Many people are concerned about data breaches as AI collects and stores so much data.
This can lead to privacy violations and even increase the risk of identity theft. There is also much concern about AI biases based on the data they collect. That’s especially true when it comes to healthcare and health insurance.
For example, AI may deny an insurance claim based on certain data whereas a person may not deny the claim. It’s important to limit how much personal information you provide when utilizing AI. This can help protect you from data breaches and phishing attacks that can further expose your data.
AI Has Boundless Potential if Used Correctly
There’s no denying that AI has the potential to contribute great things to society. However, you are justified in feeling concerned about the social and environmental impacts of AI. In a perfect world, we can use AI to contribute to business, media, and healthcare without sacrificing jobs.
It’s also likely that we will see more regulations when it comes to the environmental and economic toll of using AI. Until then, AI will continue to be an exciting and new part of society, business, and art.
About the Author
Ryan Ayers is a researcher and consultant within multiple industries including information technology, blockchain and business development. Always up for a challenge, Ayers enjoys working with startups as well as Fortune 500 companies. When not at work, Ayers loves reading science fiction novels and watching the LA Clippers.
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