The debate whether the advancement of AI or Artificial Intelligence is truly good or bad for humanity has been floating around since the inception of the concept itself. Many have tried to tackle it, it’s been on the news, and it’s been reiterated in the movies.
If you’re looking to know who’s winning then tough luck since there’s no end to this debate in sight. AI is rapidly being integrated into various technologies and “visionaries” aren’t slowing down anytime soon.
AI helps us a lot even in the mundane things that we do regularly. It has helped humanity in a multitude of fields like medicine, military, communications, manufacturing, in retail industry, in education, and almost anything that you can think of.
Looking to pick a side or just casually trying to stimulate your thoughts? Here are 15 pros and cons of Artificial Intelligence that you may ponder upon.
Advantages of Artificial Intelligence
The AI “brain” doesn’t get tired
There’s going to be a trend here. Most benefits we get from AI or machines, in general, are apparent human qualities that are otherwise eliminated by the use of computers and technology. And so, let’s start with something obvious.
The AI’s brain or core processors won’t get tired (except from some everheating maybe!!). An AI’s brain usually consists of millions of artificial neurons depending on its complexity and this is where various calculations are done with the algorithms that are programmed into it.
These calculations can range from simple to complex like in your phone or computer. Humans as we are, our body, and most especially our brains need to rest up to be efficient again. AI brains most certainly do not.
Their brains can perform even the most complex algorithms without stopping and missing a beat. Of course, there’s always the danger of overheating but through innovations nowadays that problem can be easily contradicted.
No emotions involved in AI
See the trend? Except for a few more sophisticated programs that try to mimic human emotion, AI won’t consider yours or anyone’s emotions as it processes calculations. That means that it’s always going to be objective or consistent in its programming.
This quality also makes sure that AI can’t be fooled or manipulated and can be relied upon to do tougher jobs like in cyber security.
Having this quality makes sure that its function is performed no matter what and most of the time, always with efficiency. It’s a very touchy subject and we admit that there are advocates that say that AI should have emotion but most say that they shouldn’t for that’s dangerous.
Regardless, AI will perform at its peak if its components are in the right condition.
Mundane and Repetitive jobs for AI (doesn’t get bored)
One great benefit to AI is that they can be programmed that in such a way they can do menial and mundane jobs that are otherwise too inefficient for humans to do. AI is even sometimes the cheaper way to go if you’re running some sort of business or operation and make humans do more complicated stuff.
These are repetitive jobs and almost anything that you can think of that you’ll yawn. What’s in line for AI to take over or are already doing for us are some physical, manual, and jobs that require only basic cognitive tasks.
Of course, we’re not oblivious of the fine line between humans losing their jobs because of AI but let’s hope that it won’t completely come to that. AI’s are reliable in these types of jobs and they won’t complain nor need entertainment to keep on working.
With machine learning nowadays, AI will learn how to do these tasks fast and be more efficient with it.
Fewer errors from AI
When we say errors we’re of course talking about errors relative to how an AI is programmed. If AI would experience errors is that it would be because the programming has a bug and needs to be checked by the developers.
AI’s aptitude also depends on how sophisticated it is. You have normal AI, machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing.
AI is not perfect because no program is perfect so they will commit errors along the way but AI’s are not infallible to a lot of things and so you’ll always expect that it will make the right calculation whenever relied upon.
Better decision making
AI’s won’t commit many errors because it’s a better decision-maker if you come to think about it. We go back to our second aspect that they don’t have emotions and as we all know, human emotions cloud judgment and in turn, lead to incorrect decisions.
AI won’t fall for this and so their decisions would always be based (once again) on their programming. AI’s automated cognitive as well as physical functions are faster and more efficient thus the decision-making process relevant to their tasks is more straightforward.
AI can deliver more accurate forecasting and will simplify complex processes for all of us.
Can work non-stop 24×7
In conjunction with AI not getting tired then they are most certainly capable of working 24/7. Where humans are at their limits AI won’t even budge. They can work night jobs that are otherwise too tiring for people.
They work with very little margin of error, are oftentimes low maintenance, and consistent. They don’t eat, sleep, or need breaks but also while some might find it funny, and AI does not get burned out.
So if you employ AI for whatever tasks then don’t expect it to apply for vacation or sick leave anytime soon.
Based on past historical data it can predict future events
Data analytics is what’s hot today! And there’s no stopping it from being a cornerstone of any business or program that wants to make it big soon. That’s why data scientists are so in-demand nowadays and for the days to come.
Having said that, AI is one of the best at predictive analysis. We’re talking about data mining, big data, statistical modeling, assorted mathematical processes, and of course, machine learning.
AI is quite important and efficient at sifting through historical data useful for detecting trends or forecasting events that will occur at a specified time. AI is faster, more powerful, and as we’ve discussed, AI doesn’t rest. You can leave it working overnight and wouldn’t miss a beat and will have your results ready by the next day.
This technique is utilized in aerospace, energy, automotive, financial services, manufacturing, law enforcement, and retail. Businesses thrive because of predictive analytics and what’s in the middle of it all? Only some of the most sophisticated AI in the field.
Can process massive amount of data (big data processing)
You add it all up. AI does not get tired, it’s faster at its job, it’s the better decision-maker, and it’s more efficient. So what does that all mean? That means that it can process massive amounts of data in a given period.
The fastest computers in the world are utilized by fields like computational science. They are essential in quantum mechanics, climate research, weather forecasting, molecular modeling, and even in gas/oil exploration.
As you can see, these are all the stuff that are super-useful but admittedly would take for granted. Which the philosophical question comes up, does love still make the world go round? Maybe, but maybe AI helps a ton in that aspect too today.
AI is everywhere and its efficiency is felt worldwide thanks to the developers and innovators.
Enhances quality control in products and materials
Given that AI can do their tasks rather consistently then chances of them making errors and poor work (or products) will be less. We always don’t like to admit but human errors especially when it comes to mass production or manufacturing are more often committed than machine errors.
If you’re in the manufacturing industry then AI can help you greatly and keep the quality of your outputs at its best. It also reduces the risks of any injuries, downtime, and maintenance. Your productivity will always be at peak momentum and machines are oftentimes always cheaper to operate.
Disadvantages of Artificial Intelligence
Possible job losses for people
Before we discuss the most obvious threat that AI poses to humanity we need to mention the trend in this section. The cons or disadvantages of using AI is also and almost always tied up or relevant to its relationship with its developer – us.
Given that AI can be trained through machine learning to do tasks from the simplest forms to complicated jobs, sooner or later, and shall we say almost inevitable that AI will soon take over a lot of our jobs.
So leaving those menial jobs for AI can prove to be a double edge sword. Given that AI can be more efficient at what they are programmed to do, requires low maintenance, and are objective entities then it’s not so far off to say that some industries would rather have them as opposed to people.
Lack of creativity
The quality of work or output that AI can render is only as good as how it is programmed. So, it would depend on its sophistication and effort that its developer has put into it.
Having said that, AI can only work within the boundaries of its code. They can’t improvise as people do, right? Well yes, if they’re not programmed to be. They don’t have the discretion or prerogative that we do and so if they come up against certain problems that are not in their programming then errors are bound to happen.
Lack of judgment
This is one reason why AI can’t have emotions. Familiar with the Big Bang Theory? In season one Sheldon Cooper is literally like an AI robot with the slightest hint of emotion. And, as shown in the series that can prove disastrous in a social setting at least.
AI does not have freedom of judgment like we do and would not start to compute if they are given a chance to make a decision that’s outside the realm of their coding.
Depends on the quality and accuracy of data you feed in the AI algorithm
See the trend? AI can’t act outside of the data that you feed to it or the way you programmed its algorithm. If you programmed it to compute that 1+1 equates to 3 then it will keep on producing said output for as long as you don’t reprogram it and fix that bug.
AI is not infallible and can be hacked to perform against its initial code. This is already within the boundaries of the ethics of information technology and something that everyone should be made aware of.
AI machine must be “trained” Continuously to improve over time
If you want to improve upon your program then you need to spend time to train it. As sophisticated as machine learning has become nowadays, it still can’t keep up with how humans process information.
We have what is arguably the best computer there is, our brain. Millions of dollars or even billions are invested to develop one sophisticated AI not to mention the manpower needed. But as we all know, the dividends or return of investment is all worth it.
This industry does not look at all that it would stop anytime soon. But is that really good for all of us? We’ve yet to find out.
Expensive at the beginning
As mentioned, AI needs time, energy, and a tremendous amount of cash investment to develop. If you’re a consumer looking into AI to augment your needs whether personally or for your organization (business) then you need to invest not only in purchasing it but in training the intended end-users for it.
AI can also be a make or break investment for most. Will it work? Maybe, maybe not. It can bring about a lot of things but one thing is for sure, it’s expensive.
Is AI a blessing or something that would lead to humanity’s downfall? Maybe we’ve just been watching too much SciFi.
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