Author: R. Alan Harrop, Ph.D
Since this year is the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, it is an appropriate time to consider some of the major issues facing our country. This article is one of a series that attempts to do just that. The last hundred years or so have seen a dramatic advancement of technology that has had a significant impact on our lives–some good some not so good. In fact, the changes are so fast that many people have difficulty keeping up. From a human intelligence and emotional perspective, there is a limit to how much change we can absorb and adapt to. The age of computers, the internet, and digital processes have improved our lives, yet have presented challenges.
With the advent and use of artificial intelligence (AI), we may be facing the biggest challenge so far. According to the dictionary, artificial intelligence is a branch of computer science that develops systems capable of performing tasks typically requiring human intelligence, such as reasoning, learning, problem-solving, and perception. In other words, we are creating humans! Now, like all advances in human capacity, for example the automobile, there are going to be disruptions to the existing order of things. We cannot avoid these disruptions if we are to advance as a civilization. However, none of the prior advances had the potential to replace humans that AI has shown. We cannot avoid developing AI for several reasons, not the least of which is national security. China, our most potent adversary, is pursuing the development of AI at a pace that threatens to leave us behind. We cannot let that happen. For example, the other day there was a news item showing a Chinese made robot winning an extended long-distance race against humans. We are now living in the futuristic world that just a few years ago was science fiction in novels and movies. The question then becomes not whether we should pursue AI, but rather how do we make sure that humans do not become unnecessary and superfluous. As AI advances and is able to create and develop itself, human programmers are of less importance. As a result of that, there isa a reduction of computer programming jobs across many industries. The speed of AI in data searching is astonishing. The potential use in military equipment must be utilized if we are to remain competitive with our adversaries.
There was a recent article outlining an unexpected use of AI that shows how AI has already infiltrated much of our lives. The topic was screening job applicants. Ninety-eight percent of Fortune 500 companies use some form of AI when screening job applicants. The report showed that 43% of the applicants were rejected not because they did not have the required job skills, but rather their submitted resumes did not meet the AI generated format. These applicant’s resumes were never seen by a human. It may be that applicants must rely on AI generated resumes if they are to pass muster with the AI reviewers.
The use of AI in communicating with the public is increasing to the point that one never knows whether you are talking to a person or a robot. I have noticed that in some messages to other persons you may be required to check a box stating you are not a robot! The use of robotic driven automobiles has not only been developed, but these automobiles are now being implemented as taxis in several cities such as San Francisco, Dallas, and San Antonio. Soon we may have robots available to do house work, prepare meals, and do other household chores. What is the impact on the activity of humans as we become more dependent on robots? Perhaps in the near future we will be able to court and select a robot spouse. If you consider this a fantasy, some state legislatures are considering laws that would not allow robots to own property, enter into legal contracts, etc. The goal is to make sure humans are not supplanted by robots and that robots do not have the same rights as humans. This may be necessary.
One of the scariest things is a recent report that developers of an AI system were unable to shut down the system because the AI system refused to comply with the order from the human creator. While we are obviously able to benefit from AI in many ways, we need to be cautious, as AI becomes more capable and intelligent, that we do not create something that will be our undoing in the long run. Humans require the ability to accomplish things in order to maintain self-respect and positive self-esteem. Where will we get this if we are dependent on robots?