Author:  R. Alan Harrop, Ph.D.  

All changes have advantages and disadvantages. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no exception. Because the impact of AI is going to affect all of us in some way or another, we should take a look at what is already happening and what is likely to happen. What’s more, the idea of creating an intelligence that rivals and may exceed human capabilities warrants special caution. Let’s start off with what we already know of the pros of AI.

The idea of creating artificial intelligence is not new; the possibility has been around ever since the invention of computers. AI has already been shown to be capable of data processing and linking at speeds and accuracy well beyond the human mind. Like automated machines used in manufacturing, the accuracy and precision of production is greater than humans. Machines do not get tired, do not need lunch breaks, sleep, or overtime pay. Same thing with AI, only more so. For example, students can now access AI to write reports on many topics. AI scans and collects the facts from the internet, and assembles the information in a manner that duplicates what a human can do. AI can also duplicate the human voice making it impossible to distinguish from the actual person. The autopen on steroids.

From a military perspective, AI will be used in advanced weapon systems that will enhance their potency and accuracy. Consider what is happening with the first “ war of the drones” now occurring between Russian and Ukraine. Fewer humans will be placed in harm’s way, as the combat role of humans is replaced by machines. Wars between robot armies are on the horizon. In medicine, not only is accurate diagnosis enhanced because AI will not fail to consider all the possible facts, but AI may produce more successful surgical outcomes because of greater accuracy and precise movements. This has already started with some surgical procedures that us robotic techniques and instrument control.

The development of AI and its application in all aspects of human activity is already occurring and is likely to accelerate. Countries will not be able to neglect AI if they hope to remain competitive and to be able to defend themselves from potential adversaries. Now, let’s examine some of the cons of AI. One immediate impact will be on the need for human workers. For example, high tech companies have been reducing their workforces as AI is developed. Over the past two years, the following layoffs have occurred:  Amazon: 30,000; Microsoft: 35,000; Google: 20,000; Meta: 23,000 and UPS: 14,000. Now not all of these layoffs are directly related to AI, but many of them are. Many of the jobs are high tech programming and code writing which AI is being created to do itself.   Who needs humans?

Another area of concern is energy consumption. For example, it takes 10 times the amount of electricity to conduct an AI search compared to a regular internet search. A recent report on Barclay.com indicated that the expanded use of AI data centers will increase the demand on the electric grid by 25% per year for the foreseeable future. Obviously, the existing electric grid cannot meet that demand without substantial expansion in generating power. Wind and solar will not help in the slightest. Expansion could be through more nuclear plants. However, the current restrictions and regulations can be prohibitive.  There has not been a new nuclear power plant built in North Carolina for over forty years. Some are suggesting the use of smaller nuclear reactors, about one-third of the reactors currently in place. Theoretically, these could be located near to the AI data centers reducing the demand for transmission wires. A troubling trend is being implemented by local power companies like Tidewater. Starting in January, electricity rates per KWH will depend on the time of the day the electricity is used. Not good. This plan reduces your freedom to use electricity when you decide and allows the company to dictate your access. Instead of manipulating demand, they should be increasing their generating capacity. China has been building coal fired plants for years and will be able to meet their demands. We have been handcuffed by the environmental extremists who fear monger about climate change. Through executive order 14241, President Trump has significantly reduced the restrictions on building coal fired plants, especially the additional restrictions placed by the Biden administration. There is no reason why electric companies should not immediately return to building coal fired plants, especially since coal is one of our greatest resources. Until recently, Bill Gates had believed that climate change caused by burning fossil fuels was an existential threat. He has done an about face, and now says that climate change is not a threat! That shows what a hoax the whole climate change scare has been.

Besides these practical problems, the potential impact on humans must be considered. Are we creating something with more brain power than we have? AI is not only capable of learning and thinking faster and more accurately than humans, it has the potential to learn how to control itself. A few months ago, there was a report in the Epoch Times newspaper about an AI system that would not allow itself to be shut down by its human creators! Will these systems take on a will of their own? Who knows, but it could happen. Also, as humans rely more and more on AI for such things as data gathering and analysis, what happens to the skill level of humans who are now performing these functions? Our intelligence is based on using our brains to solve complex problems and think for ourselves. With increased reliance on AI, will we get dumber? How about the impact on our self-esteem? Most people feel good when they accomplish a challenging task. With AI performing these tasks, what are humans good for? Not much I suppose. As we get dumber and less ambitious, AI takes over more and more of human activities. AI becomes the master and we become the slaves. As we become more dependent on AI and lose our skills and abilities, what happens if AI destructs? Power outage? Hacking into the system? Something to think about.

While it is true that AI development is rushing forward, we need to think about what we are creating and the pros and cons of how far we go. AI has the potential to be one of the most powerful and life altering inventions in the history of mankind.  Let’s make sure that it will enhance our lives, and not be our undoing as human beings.