As we enter the fourth industrial revolution, the growth and development of AI technology have become increasingly significant in various industries, from transportation to healthcare. While it offers numerous benefits, it also poses ethical challenges that need to be addressed to ensure sustainable growth and minimize negative impacts on society.
The new AI era in society
AI has transformed the world of business, transportation, education, and healthcare, and experts predict that its development will continue to improve rapidly. However, this growth also raises questions about its long-term effects on society, including its impact on job losses, employees’ well-being, and the dehumanization of jobs.
A recent study conducted by Hisham O. Khogali and Samir Mekid published in Technology in Society, named “The blended future of automation and AI: Examining some long-term societal and ethical impact features” analyzed various aspects of AI impact on our society and its long-term good and bad effects. Let’s take a look at what they discovered!
The log-term effects of AI in society
In their study, one major concern is the lack of cultural and ethical background in AI systems, which makes it challenging to code and quantify complex emotions, beliefs, cultures, conventions, and values consistently. This has led to concerns about its ethics and privacy issues, which must be addressed to fully realize the benefits of AI applications.
AI is the core component of computer learning, making it vital for the future of humanity. However, significant ethical questions that require in-depth study include privacy and surveillance, biases, and the philosophical conundrum of the function of human judgment.
Another concern is the potential for job losses and fears of dehumanization. However, there is little evidence that it can genuinely replace humans or take over control of the world. Instead, AI technology can offer customized support and enhance business processes, resulting in cleaner, less polluted, and more livable cities. It is an innovative technology created by humans and has the potential to improve the quality of human society, enhance business processes, and offer customized support when necessary.
Pros and cons of AI
So to ensure responsible evolution, it is crucial to inculcate human values into AI, promote openness, and work towards a common goal. Clear-cut rules for AI applications must be established to determine the drawbacks of its accurately and without bias. Additionally, scientific research plays a critical role in ensuring accountability, safety, and ethical standards in this technology fields.
They concluded in their research that while this technology offers numerous benefits and new job opportunities, it is crucial to acknowledge its potential drawbacks and carefully consider its impact on society’s future. AI ethics play a vital role in addressing the negative societal impacts. You can read their study here.
With that being said, it is essential to establish consistent ethics guidelines that can be widely accepted for their effectiveness and work in a variety of environments, subject to improvement based on constant scientific development. By doing so, we can ensure that AI’s impact on society and the workplace is positive and sustainable. The double-edged sword can be balanced by ensuring ethical development and integration into our daily lives.
