More and more big players in the tech field are talking about artificial intelligence and its implications for humanity. Some say that it will push the species towards new horizons. Others claim that AI is a threat to humanity’s long-term survival. If you’re uncertain about all of the commotion surrounding artificial intelligence, then you should keep reading to better understand how it will shape the future and what to consider when exploring AI solutions for your enterprise.
Will AI Take Over the World?
Most of the public figures who claim that AI will overtake humanity or somehow rule the world likely don’t even believe that idea themselves. These people have a very simple agenda. By making such bold statements, high-profile individuals and organizations can get a lot of attention with very little effort. In turn, AI-driven search algorithms across the internet boost their content for more people to engage with.
Ironically, the people who insist that AI will dominate humanity are actually manipulating AI-driven technologies for their own gain. This illustrates that, although AI is a powerful tool, it achieves nothing without human intent behind it. Under no circumstances will AI have the autonomy and self-direction to lord over humanity. Even if scientists were to develop an AI technology that is comparable to the human mind in its ability to think and act on its own, there would be multiple safeguards in place to minimize its influence over the world.
Will AI Harm Workers?
Less dramatically, some people assert that AI will make so many jobs obsolete that people might have a hard time finding work in the future. While new technologies may render some tasks too inefficient to perform manually, they don’t eliminate workers entirely. For example, the invention of the chainsaw did not result in fewer jobs. Instead, the chainsaw streamlined the process of cutting wood and increased overall productivity. As a result, the adoption of the chainsaw allowed foresters to focus on more important tasks, and it ended up generating more jobs in wood processing, transportation, administration, and other fields.
AI-driven technologies will have a similar effect. While some routine tasks may become obsolete, workers will simply spend more time performing other tasks. Consequently, your company will be more efficient and prosperous, so it can offer higher wages and hire more employees. Job descriptions may gradually change, but workers don’t need to worry about being sent to the breadline by AI. The human mind is simply too complex and adaptable for AI to replace.
How Should Organizations Adopt AI Technologies?
As your organization expands, you may want to use AI-driven technologies to streamline processes and increase efficiency. However, there are a couple of things to consider before adopting any software or new technology. Firstly, you need to be sure that the product is secure. What is the seller’s history? Have they had any data breaches? What kind of encryption do they use? If you’re too eager to use a new product without asking these important questions, then you may put your company’s sensitive information at risk.
Secondly, you need to understand what the product or service actually does. Some companies that market AI-driven products often include a ton of technical jargon in their marketing materials to impress buyers who don’t really understand the AI field. If you’re entirely sure about what a product does, then you should consult with a professional in the industry to make a more informed decision. Otherwise, you may end up paying for something that your organization doesn’t need.
Good Companies Adapt to New Technologies
No matter how you feel about it, AI will likely become more important over time. After all, experts project that AI will contribute nearly $16 trillion to the global economy by the end of the decade. While you may be excited to adopt new technologies to make your business more efficient, you must always remember to do your research and spend your firm’s money wisely. The uncertainty that comes with the emergence of new AI technologies may be frightening. However, as long as you keep an open mind and are willing to adapt to changing conditions, your organization will thrive no matter what the future holds.
