How AI will transform the future As intriguing as AI might be right now, it will really come into its own in the future, when more detailed data sets, more robust computing power and more complex algorithms allow AI to manage ever more complicated decisions. Assuming that software programmers keep up their rapid pace, here are some areas which could be completely transformed by AI: Medicine made for you AI can analyze vast amounts of patient data (including your own DNA) to better identify the risk factors behind illnesses and ailments and prescribe personalized treatments and prevention plans. It could also reduce human error in detection and diagnosis – something which we’re now starting to see in oncology. Entertain me Going forward, AI will be a lot more involved in making the movies, TV shows and music that we love. Moviemakers, show runners and musicians will use it to generate ideas, create new special effects or even write entire scripts and melodies. Going places You’ve probably heard about the self-driving cars that Tesla, Ford, GM and other manufacturers are developing. As streetlevel data and detection algorithms become more robust, autonomous cars could make getting from point A to point B a lot safer and less congested. Saving the earth What if AI can help mitigate or even reverse climate change? It’s certainly feasible. AI’s ability to quickly analyze mountains of data and detect emerging patterns could assist scientists in keeping track of pollution, temperature changes, habitat degradation and biodiversity levels in real time. This tracking could make it easier to develop greener policies that could roll back the worst effects of climate change. But is it a good thing? Of course, the future of AI isn’t all rosy. In fact, thinkers and critics have asked a number of ethical questions about our increasing use of AI: Should we allow AI to capture and use our personal data – particularly without our permission? How might we be compensated for this use, especially if tech companies and their shareholders become filthy rich from its use? AI-powered drones have already changed the way in which we wage war; how far will we go in allowing autonomous weapons systems to fight for us – and how can we ensure that such systems include fail-safes or “off buttons” to ensure that they don’t go rogue? And what about all of those people who might lose their jobs because of AI? What’s to become of the bookkeepers, delivery drivers, customer service reps or computer programmers if AI makes these roles obsolete (which it almost certainly will)? Should we worry about any of this? Or should we continue in our efforts to use AI to improve our lives? Someday, AI will be able to answer such questions for us. Until then, we’ll have to do it the old-fashioned human way: we’ll have to wait and see. CSA Online CSANews | SPRING 2024 | 43
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MzMzNzMx