OpenAI, Google, Microsoft… what if technology companies were going too fast with artificial intelligence?

Controversy continues to plague companies like OpenAI. What if it were not necessary to resort to post-apocalyptic scenarios so that artificial intelligence would end up being a problem, if it is overused?

Artificial intelligence is in fashion. For some, it will be a revolution on a par with radio or the Internet, which will change the world forever, definitively welcome robotics and end compulsory employment. Others, however, are clear that AI and humans are incompatible, and imagine fearful scenarios in the purest Terminator or Matrix style.

But the reality is that many companies are betting everything (or almost) on artificial intelligence, which again generates doubts, sometimes even within the companies themselves. What if tech companies were going too fast with artificial intelligence? What consequences could it cause in society?

The risks of taking too much risk with AI

There is a scene from the legendary movie Jurassic Park in which Dr. Malcolm, played by Jeff Goldblum, says: “Their scientists were so concerned about seeing if they could do it, that they didn’t stop to think if they should”. A phrase that, in the opinion of many, could well reflect what is happening with AI. A race that everyone wants to win.

At what price? That is the big question. In fact, even from OpenAI many workers have decided to leave the company because they do not think it is acting responsibly. Just a few days ago, employees wrote an open letter denouncing that Sam Altman seeks to lead the AI ​​revolution, no matter the consequences. What if it were like that?

Employment and security issues

People like Elon Musk or Bill Gates are convinced that artificial intelligence (and robotics, by the way) will end most jobs, yes, but this will not be a problem: working will be optional. But what if they were wrong, and running too much with the AI ​​had precisely the opposite effect?

Mass automation and the forced implementation of artificial intelligence in various industries well could lead to rapid obsolescence of many jobs, without enough time for workers to adapt or acquire new skills. This would result in a significant increase in unemployment and greater economic inequality.

It must also be taken into account that AI is usually associated with another common fear: create a technology that cannot be managed, or that is not fully understood. You’ve probably seen a movie about that, right? In reality, it cannot be completely ruled out either, especially if things are rushed.

A rapid evolution of AI could surpass the ability of security experts to develop adequate protection measures. This would include cybersecurity, where AI could be used for more sophisticated attacks, and also physical security, in case AI is used in critical systems such as infrastructure, transportation, or military weapons.

Goodbye to privacy

Currently, everything, including Stephen King books, is being used to train artificial intelligences, which seem voracious. But we must not forget that their malfunction could also lead to numerous privacy violations.. Without the time necessary to evaluate and mitigate these problems, vulnerable individuals and groups can be harmed.

Taking all this into account, there is no need to resort to catastrophic sci-fi futures to get people fed up with AI, or assuming that its drawbacks outweigh its benefits. And what would large companies like Google that have invested millions in this technology do then? Another uncomfortable question, for sure.

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Tags: Artificial intelligence