Is Artificial Intelligence Dangerous?

Key Takeaways

2022 marked a significant milestone in artificial intelligence (AI) development, with AI applications like ChatGPT and companies like Nvidia becoming some of the major players in global technology. The leading AI companies are racing to improve AI-related hardware and software, enhancing AI performance and accelerating the development of the space. Nvidia’s soaring stock price, growing over 100% in the past year, shows the market’s appetite for AI solutions. 

But the mania surrounding AI hasn’t dampened the chorus of concerns that also surround this technology. Central to these fears is the simple question: is AI dangerous?

Self-driving drones and fake news are examples of AI technologies that pose potential threats to humanity. And of course, the question “can AI become self aware” looms ever-large. Even Prominent figures like Elon Musk have voiced concerns about the dangers of AI.

In this article, we’ll examine the key threats AI poses to society and discuss how they might be managed.

Is AI Dangerous?

When people talk about AI’s dangers, they often address different concerns. Some worry about job displacement, while others focus on AI’s role in cybercrime, warfare, or its potential to surpass human control. AI is not a single technology but a range of tools that impact various parts of society. As such, it’s essential to examine the potential dangers of AI from several perspectives.

1. Job Losses Due to AI Automation

Artificial intelligence is now automating some industries, replacing humans in monotonous jobs like customer relations through AI software. Chatbots can answer questions that previously required a human attendant. McKinsey’s report indicates that up to 400 million workers may lose jobs due to technological advances by 2030. 

AI and robotics have taken over many factory operations that used to demand human dexterity. While this can improve and streamline certain operations, it poses questions about the employment prospects for the workers in these industries.

On the other hand, it’s important to note that automation may also create new job opportunities. AI requires skilled professionals to develop, maintain, and improve its systems, which can create roles in fields like data science, machine learning, and AI ethics. Additionally, AI can enhance efficiency in specific jobs, allowing workers to focus on more complex tasks that machines cannot handle.

2. Weakened Democracy

Imagine watching a political debate where one candidate seems to say uncharacteristic things. But what if that candidate never said those things at all? Such false representation is the threat of deepfakes—videos or audio manipulated by AI to make it appear that someone said or did something they never did. Deepfakes can be so convincing that they are hard to spot, even for the trained eye.

Now, consider the impact this could have on an election. A single deepfake video, released at just the right moment, could change the entire course of a campaign. It could spread online, misleading voters and influencing opinions before the truth comes out—if it ever does. Unfortunately, it’s happening now.

For example, in 2020, a deepfake video of Belgian Prime Minister Sophie Wilmès was released, falsely depicting her linking COVID-19 to climate change. The video quickly spread, confusing and angering parts of the electorate. This is just a flavour of the damage AI could pose to democracy, allowing candidates to be misrepresented and elections to be manipulated.

3. Cybercrime

Cybercriminals exploit Artificial Intelligence (AI) to carry out more sophisticated attacks. Beyond election tampering, deepfakes are becoming tools for identity theft and financial scams. Artificial intelligence can mimic facial expressions and voice patterns with such precision that it’s nearly impossible to tell the difference between what’s real and what’s not. 

Deepfakes threaten our personal security. Our identities can now be easily manipulated by those with malicious intent, if they know how to operate AI-led tools. This shift means that criminals can weaponize the traits that make us unique.

For instance, criminals utilized AI to replicate the voice of the CEO of a UK Energy company and thus duped a firm into releasing $243,000, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. These are examples of how people can use AI to commit crimes and exploit people’s weaknesses.

As AI advances, the challenge is clear: how do we protect ourselves in a world where what we see and hear might not be real?

4. Social Fracture Through Social Media Algorithms

We are already seeing the dangers of AI play out on the internet, especially on social media platforms.

Artificial intelligence algorithms promote content designed to capture your attention, which the AI learns by monitoring your previous activity. But the danger is that AI can result in echo chambers, where a person receives only information that affirms their beliefs. This reduces the public discourse society needs to flourish, and could give rise to different types of extremist groups.

A related case, as shown by an MIT study, indicated that fake news shared on Twitter was six times more likely to spread than real news, whereby artificial intelligence algorithms initiated the process. This manipulation can widen the gap between societies and, as a result, increase the level of conflict within them.

5. AI Weapons

AI-led weapons are known as Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) and they introduce several new risks to warfare. These weapons operate independently of human control, removing human judgment from the decision-making process. Determining who should be held responsible for unsanctioned firing becomes a problem.

Another risk is the potential for rapid escalation. Autonomous weapons can respond quickly to threats, which might trigger a chain reaction of escalating conflict. It’s also possible that the technologies may fail to blur the lines between combatants and civilians. Facial recognition and signal tracing technologies may target specific individuals without a clear distinction, threatening civilian safety.

Find out more about autonomous weapons in a detailed article by The Conversation.

6. Uncontrollable Sentient AI

The idea of uncontrollable self-aware AI may seem like science fiction, but it’s a growing concern among experts. As AI technology advances, the possibility of creating machines that can think, learn, and act independently becomes more plausible. The fear isn’t just about AI becoming self-aware but about the AI developing goals that conflict with human interests.

AI scientists have already considered certain risks, including a future where AI systems operate autonomously without human intervention. Without human intervention, this AI could make decisions that harm society, all while following its programming to the letter.

The challenge with self-aware AI is its unpredictability. Once an AI system gains autonomy, controlling or understanding its decisions could become impossible. Such a scenario would mean that the AI could operate beyond human control. The risks range from minor inconveniences to catastrophic events, such as AI-initiated conflicts or economic disruptions.

In an interview, Elon Musk stated that the development of AI could be dangerous if not controlled. While this scenario does not exist, it is still possible as AI keeps developing and improving.

7. Social Surveillance with AI

Social surveillance with AI is a growing concern. Governments and corporations can monitor individuals on an unprecedented scale. Using AI-powered facial recognition, data tracking, and predictive algorithms, they can observe and analyze people’s behaviors, movements, and social interactions

On one hand, AI-powered surveillance systems may enhance public safety, combat crime, and identify potential threats. For example, facial recognition technology can help law enforcement agencies apprehend criminals and locate missing persons. Additionally, AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data to detect patterns and anomalies indicating suspicious activity.

However, the widespread use of AI for surveillance also poses significant risks. Collecting and analyzing personal data can lead to privacy violations and discrimination. Moreover, there is a concern that governments could use AI-powered surveillance systems to suppress dissent and control populations.

For example, China’s social credit system tracks the conduct of its citizens and rates them accordingly, with penalties for low-ranking citizens. Such surveillance is invasive, can compromise personal liberty, and poses a potential danger to democracy if wielded by authoritarian governments.

How to Mitigate the Risks of AI  

Even though AI has a high potential for adverse consequences, attempting to decrease its negative impact is possible. Here’s how humans can manipulate AI for a positive outcome. 

• AI Education
• Regulation
• Standards and limits

Let’s explore these factors.  

AI Education  

One of the most effective ways to mitigate the dangers of AI is through comprehensive AI education. As AI technologies advance, individuals at all levels need to understand the basics of AI, its potential risks, and its benefits.

• Developing AI literacy is a foundational step. Just as digital literacy has become a must-have skill, AI literacy is quickly becoming essential. 
• When people receive AI education, they’re better equipped to make informed decisions regarding its use. 
• Whether a consumer is trying to understand the AI algorithms influencing their online purchases or a business leader is deciding to adopt AI in their company, knowledge is power.

Integrating ethics into AI education is also vital. AI doesn’t exist in a vacuum; it affects real people in real ways. By embedding ethics and data science into AI curricula, society can ensure those working with AI are mindful of its broader impacts.

Continuous training is another crucial component. AI isn’t static. It evolves rapidly, and so should our understanding of it. Professionals working with AI need to stay updated on the latest developments and the ethical and practical implications of those advancements. Regular workshops, courses, and certifications can help maintain AI competence and awareness.    

Regulation

Government regulation is essential in guiding and managing the potential dangers of AI. As artificial intelligence advancements continue, regulatory bodies must set legal measures to use such systems appropriately. AI regulation must address several critical issues to ensure responsible use and safeguard human rights. Here’s a breakdown of the primary concerns:

AI development is dynamic, so legislators should adapt to changes by updating laws periodically to meet emerging challenges. Such an approach would prevent harm that might come humanity’s way through AI developments.  

Organizational Standards and Limits

Even with education and regulation in place, organizations need to adopt their own standards and limits to manage AI risks. It involves creating a structured approach prioritizing safety, transparency, and human oversight.

A risk-based approach to AI adoption is essential. Not all AI applications carry the same risk level, so it makes sense to prioritize those that could have the most significant impact. Focusing on high-risk applications first allows organizations to develop mitigation strategies applicable in lower-risk areas.

Clear governance structures help manage AI risks by setting boundaries and defining responsibilities. They ensure that AI systems are effective and align with the organization’s ethical standards.

Finally, setting limits on AI decision-making is vital. While AI is useful for automating processes and making decisions, there are certain areas where human judgment must remain. Establishing clear limits on what AI can and cannot do enables organizations to prevent unintended consequences and maintain a level of human oversight necessary for responsible AI use.

Staying Safe With AI

AI is already part of industries, governance, and even personal spaces. Its use will only increase, so people, business entities, and governments must be more careful.  

The best way to protect against AI’s threats is to recognize how it changes domains such as employment, privacy, and democracy. Here’s how you can coexist with AI while keeping your information secure:

• First, get to know the AI system you’re using. Learn about its capabilities, limitations, and potential biases. Understanding the technology behind it helps you use it wisely.
• Next, ensure that the AI provides clear reasons for its decisions. Transparency helps spot mistakes or biases.
• Regular checks are also vital. Monitor the AI’s performance and review its decisions often. These checks help catch issues before they become problems.

Remember to protect AI with robust security measures. Use encryption and other security tools to safeguard your data from cyber threats.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AI?

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the ability of systems or machines to imitate human intelligence to accomplish a given task and enhance their performance using the data they gain.

Which jobs are safe from AI?

Professional roles that involve emotional intelligence, creativity, and decision-making, such as healthcare, education, and upper organizational management, are not likely to disappear because of AI.

Can AI cause human extinction?

Even though the idea of AI leading to human extinction may sound like science fiction, its inspiration is from real issues. Some fear that sophisticated AI systems may out-compete human intelligence, resulting in scenarios in which these systems act independently and erratically. The future of AI may be out of control, and the implications may be disastrous, including threats to human life.

Is AI a threat to democracy?

Is AI dangerous to democracy? It can be. Artificial intelligence can spread fake news and develop deepfake technology. Deepfakes are highly realistic counterfeit videos or audio clips that bad actors may use to tarnish the reputation of a political candidate or influence voters during polls.

Social media algorithms, driven by artificial intelligence, reinforce and amplify extreme positions. The polarization undermines democratic processes by manipulating the information delivered to the public.