Artificial Intelligence For Utility And Threat To Humanity Or Not

Question: Write about theArtificial Intelligence for a Threat to Humanity or Not? Answer: Introduction Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the theory and development of computer systems in such a manner than they become able to perform the simple to complex tasks without human intervention. There are a number of innovative applications that have been developed with the aid of artificial intelligence and the same have benefitted different users across the globe. There is a continuous debate between the utility and threats of artificial intelligence. There are groups that believe that machines can never be as close as humans in terms of operations and decision making. On the other hand, there are many who have researched and have come to the conclusion that further advancements in the field of artificial intelligence can be a great threat to the human race. Artificial intelligence can be dangerous if and only if goes in the wrong hands. AI has made it possible to develop machines that can think for themselves and are enabled with programmes that allow them to apply logics and rationality to the situations (Martin, 2016). However, there is no element of emotions of ethical component present in the functioning of these machines. They still do not have the ability to differentiate between right and wrong on the basis of factors such as morality, virtues, emotions and likewise. It is this component of the AI enabled machines that can be a major t hreat for the environment and human race. This component is often misused and misinterpreted by many that lead to the presence of a number of threats and risks associated with AI (Shead, 2016). There are entities that may take advantage of these machines and use them for their personal motives and benefits. The entities that are involved behind the development of the algorithms and the ones that find the capabilities to use and implement the same can be the major threat agents involved in the execution of threats. For instance, there may be an individual or a group of individuals or organization that may develop a robot having the artificially intelligent programs and codes implemented. The robot may be specifically designed to cause harm to a particular community or environment or for some other purpose that may not benefit the human race or the environment associated with the same. It will also be difficult to put a check on the once developed machine later on to make changes to the same or control the devastations. These threats can be controlled and prevented by understanding the risks that the incorrect and inaccurate use of artificial intelligence may bring up (Yudkow sky, 2016). There shall always be the element of legal consideration and ethical practices that shall be present during the design and development of any of the AI applications. The developers and the designers must always be made aware of the potential risks and threats associated with the technology. Government agencies also need to come up with regulatory policies to make sure that the application of artificial intelligence remains a boon and does not turn in to a threat for the society. References Martin, S. (2016). Artificial intelligence poses HUGE threat to humanity if in wrong hands, scientist warns. [online] Express.co.uk. Available at: https://www.express.co.uk/news/science/668886/AI-major-threat-microsoft-artificial-intelligence [Accessed 14 Oct. 2016]. Shead, S. (2016). Over a third of people think AI poses a threat to humanity. [online] Business Insider. Available at: https://www.businessinsider.in/Over-a-third-of-people-think-AI-poses-a-threat-to-humanity/articleshow/51359827.cms [Accessed 14 Oct. 2016]. Yudkowsky, E. (2016). Artificial Intelligence as a Positive and Negative Factor in Global Risk. [online] Available at: https://intelligence.org/files/AIPosNegFactor.pdf [Accessed 14 Oct. 2016].