By Reejhu Mal
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been the subject of much speculation and debate in science fiction for many decades, with many experts predicting that it will revolutionize our lifestyle. From healthcare to finance, implementation of AI is rapidly transforming the sectors. Embracing AI is unlocking full potential of the tomorrow’s arrival in unprecedented ways. From self-driving cars to personalized medical treatments, AI is shaping our future like never before. As we stand on the brink of a new era, it is crucial that we understand the rise of AI and its impact on our world. Examining the AI’s transformation and what lies ahead in the new chapter of human history is startling.
AI is the ability of computers and machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation. The field of AI has been around for several decades, but recent advancements in computing power, data storage, and machine learning algorithms have fuelled its rapid growth.
One of the most significant impacts of AI is increased efficiency and productivity. Automation, through AI systems and robots, can perform repetitive, boring, and dangerous tasks easily, freeing up humans to focus on more innovative and strategic work. In the healthcare sector, AI is being used to analyse vast amounts of medical data to improve diagnoses-like highly accurate surgeries and treatment plans. In finance, AI algorithms are being used to make investment decisions, detect fraud, and automate back-office processes.
Advocates of AI argue that these advancements will lead to a more efficient and productive and technical society, where individuals have more time and resources to focus on higher-level pursuits. They also argue that AI has the potential to solve complex problems, such as climate change and disease, in ways that were previously impossible.
However, critics of AI raise concerns about its impact on employment. Automation, they argue, will lead to widespread job losses, as machines and robots replace human workers in many industries. This could lead to increased poverty and inequality, as those who lose their jobs struggle to find new employment in an already competitive job market.
This argument is not without merit. Automation has already displaced workers in several industries, and it is likely that this trend will continue as AI becomes more widespread. However, it is also important to consider that automation has been a driving force behind economic growth for centuries, and has consistently created new job opportunities, even as it has displaced existing ones.
For example, the rise of the automobile industry in the early 20th century led to the displacement of horse-drawn carriage drivers, but also created new jobs in manufacturing, sales, and service. The same can be said for the rise of the computer industry in the late 20th century, which displaced workers in manual labour industries, but also created new jobs in software development, information technology, and related fields.
Therefore, it is likely that the rise of AI will also create new job opportunities, even as it displaces existing ones. There will be a growing demand for data scientists, machine learning engineers, and AI ethics experts, among others. These are high-skilled, high-paying jobs that will provide individuals with the opportunity to contribute to society in meaningful ways.
Another impact of AI is the potential to perpetuate existing biases and discrimination. AI systems are only as unbiased as the data they are trained on, and if that data contains biases, the AI system will likely reproduce those biases in its output. For example, facial recognition algorithms have been found to be less accurate in recognizing individuals with darker skin tones, perpetuating existing racial biases.
This is a valid concern, and it is important for society to take steps to mitigate the potential negative impacts of AI. This could include regulations that ensure that AI systems are developed and deployed in a responsible and ethical manner, as well as education and training programs to help individuals develop the skills necessary to work in the rapidly evolving AI industry.
In conclusion, the rise of AI is shaping the future of society in profound ways, and it is important to consider both the potential benefits and challenges that this technology presents. While AI has the potential to increase efficiency, productivity, and solve complex problems, it also has the potential to perpetuate existing biases and lead to job losses. However, as with any disruptive technology, it is likely that the rise of AI will also create new job opportunities and contribute to economic growth.
It is the responsibility of society to ensure that the development and deployment of AI is done in a responsible and ethical manner. This will require collaboration between governments, companies, and individuals to establish regulations and standards, provide education and training programs, and ensure that the benefits of AI are shared equitably.
In light of the rapid advancements in AI technology, Pakistan has the opportunity to harness this innovation to drive economic growth and competitiveness. The country is in need of transitioning from outdated and traditional methodologies to more advanced and technical ones. This process, referred to as “Creative Destruction” by economist Joseph Schumpeter, will lead to a transformation in the economy. While accelerated creative destruction may bring short-term challenges, the integration of AI in various industries has the potential to bring long-term benefits such as increased efficiency, productivity and competitiveness. To fully realize these benefits, the government and private sector must invest in AI research and development, education, and infrastructure.
As has been demonstrated, the rise of AI is a double-edged sword that presents both opportunities and challenges. As we continue to shape the future with AI, it is important to consider both its potential benefits and potential consequences, and to take a responsible and ethical approach to its development and deployment. The future is now, and the way we shape the role of AI in our lives will have a profound impact on the future of humanity. The possibility of creative destruction in our country is likely, given the current economic conditions, if the proper and proactive approaches and considerations are made transparent by investing in education and training programs to develop the necessary skills for the AI industry.
Courtesy: Modern Diplomacy
