Will AI replace humans?
Another strong argument against is the idea that computers cannot become self-aware. Even expert neuroscientists struggle to define or understand the meaning of ‘consciousness’ but nevertheless it is agreed that humans are ‘conscious’ and computers are not. This discounts the possibility of AI comprehending its situation on earth and turning on its creators. However, with recent attempts to map the human brain and create so called ‘neural networks’ – a machine-learning system made up of nodes with various weights – there is a possibility that some version of consciousness is achieved. Yet realistically. this is unlikely to occur in the next decade (if ever) as there is lack of investment and concrete results. One of the final counter-arguments to the success of AI replacing humans is the level of precautions dealing with the ethics of AI in the modern world. Noteworthy inventors such as Elon Musk have expressed the need for a governing body focusing solely on the safety of AI and its impact on humans. The idea of limiting or constraining the power of learning-style algorithms to ensure pro-human outcomes is a sacrifice many scientists are willing to pay. There is also development into a new field of ‘explainable AI’ which aims to understand the complex process inside machine learning algorithms to better monitor and control AI. 9 Before concluding I want to outline the current short term-view for AI. At a conference of 979 technology experts in 2018, 63% said they are hopeful that most individuals will be better off from AI by 2030 (therefore assuming no AI super control in the near-future) with the remaining 37% saying otherwise. 10 This shows there is slight majority favoring a positive outlook but still a worrying number against, even for only 10 years ahead. To conclude, I believe artificial intelligence will replace humans in the next decade based on current standards and progress. The dangers and unpredictability of AI are obscured by its rapid growth and technological advancements, guiding us to a dystopian future. Clearly, as AI becomes more integrated, government bodiesmay intervene. However, mankind has a history of not learning frompast mistakes. I do not believe in the ‘terminator scenario’ for AI , as I don’t believe a combina tion of metal and electricity can replicate the ‘consciousness’ of a biological organ and become ‘self - aware’. (I believe this requires some organic matter which is beyond our current scope.) I am also aware that AI is in its early stages and so predictions are imprecise. However, judging by the previous decade: space travel, computers and the internet, I believe there will be an exponential growth (where AI itself boosts AI growth) resulting in human replacement earlier than expected.
9 See The Lancet Respiratory Medicine 2019. A side point is that the egotistical nature of humans could prevent them willingly creating AI that would be deemed more ‘intelligent’ or more importantly more ‘capable’ than themselves. The obvious caveat is accidental creation of these systems. 10 See Anderson, Lee and Luchsinger 2019.
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