Artificial intelligence: Will it replace mankind or will it end it?

Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized our world, bringing many things to be desired, but many things to be feared. 

The World Economic Forum has estimated that 85 million jobs will be taken by AI by 2025. AI jobs will mainly be specialized in data analysis, bookkeeping, and other repetitive tasks. Basic customer service has already been partially taken by AI. AI assistants help with problems in code for programmers, and healthcare professionals use AI for diagnostics. AI is also used for security in airports and, most likely, on some of your everyday tools. Mr. T., STEM teacher, has some thoughts on AI. “I think it’s scary and useful both at the same time. It can get you into some trouble but can also get you out of some trouble as well.”`

According to Pew Research, 19% of American workers were in jobs that were most exposed to AI. Even crazier, the IMF found that almost 40% of global employment is exposed to AI. Overall, AI can be very useful in everyday jobs, as us humans with our short attention spans can barely handle the jobs AI is replacing.

Now, with all this in mind, can AI take over the world? Well, it’s complicated. On one hand, AI is controlled by people, and those people can “nuke” AI if it goes rogue. Per Security Magazine, AI going rogue can be due to improper controls or a lack of proper oversight. They could have their programming tampered with by bad actors in order to hack another system, promote disinformation campaigns, or even take part in espionage activities (spying). 

Now, for the final battle, AI vs. Human, who wins? AI, with no security or moderation, can easily overpower virtual human security, and in theory, can completely burn our economy down to the end of a match. With their advanced intelligence and rather fast speed of finding simple solutions and vast information across the web, AI can take over. Humans do have one advantage though, the ability to create AI and control it. If AI somehow goes rogue, past all ways to stop it, AI will replace everything human. However, the chances of that actually happening are near improbable according to our sources (in the near future). Does Mr. T. think AI can take over the world? “I don’t want to find out. Depends on who you ask and what movies you watch. Anything is possible. I think they should have safeguards put in place to make sure [it doesn’t take over the world].”

So in the end, don’t be afraid of AI taking over the world. AI is very closely monitored by its creators, and the chances of AI going rogue and taking over the world in our lifetime are slim.