In today’s climate, the simple mention of the words “artificial intelligence” could spark a passionate debate. Across the globe, there is a palpable fear that AI could cost people their jobs and could fully replace almost all human interactions as we know them. This concept can seem really daunting and scary. It is uncharted territory, and the stakes are incredibly high. But there’s nuance to all of it, and we have to be willing to differentiate between fact and fiction in order to have an honest and informed conversation about one of the most hot-button issues of our time.
AI is a Tool, Not a Replacement
We’ve seen it in sci-fi movies for decades: the machines take over and humankind is in great danger. That might make for compelling entertainment, but in reality, AI does not have to be the villain. When applied properly, especially in a business setting, it can be used to help a team increase their efficiency and productivity. Not only does it not replace human beings. AI can actually create more jobs as companies invest in new roles to manage and develop AI technology.
AI Can Be Ethical
AI is created by people. While AI can do a lot, it is all governed by actual humans. According to a 2022 IBM study, AI’s role in organizational sustainability is growing with about 66 percent of businesses currently using or planning to use AI as part of their sustainability initiatives. Environmental pressures and the inherent advantages make AI adoption appealing across many organizations.
With regard to the automotive industry, AI can be used as a vital safety tool. There is Face Emotion Recognition, which plays a pivotal role in detecting a driver’s signs of tiredness and any other anomaly that could result in unsafe driving. It’s a prime example of how AI and ethics are not mutually exclusive.
Not All AI is the Same
AI is not “one size fits all.” AI has evolved to specialize in all different kinds of industries, and it autonomously seeks new applications and solutions. Medical images, like an X-ray or ultrasound, can be analyzed by AI-powered systems to detect any issues or inconsistencies.
Whereas in automotive, AI targets answering questions about vehicle features and connecting customer calls to sales representatives. AI is actively utilized in many other industries, ranging from healthcare to financial services to retail. Its potential to streamline processes, enhance customer service and provide valuable insights for informed decision-making has proven to be invaluable.
AI is Reliable
It would be irresponsible to say that any kind of system, human-run or not, is foolproof. People make mistakes, systems break down, and AI is no exception to that. But there’s a myth being perpetuated that most of AI’s data is inherently flawed or downright false. The truth is that AI provides answers based on the provided prompt and how it was trained on specific data.
The proficiency of an AI’s responses stems from a thorough comprehension of the business and what customers typically need. Take a Chatbot, for example. Conversational AI employs natural language processing (NLP) to understand and respond to a customer’s request. Rather than relying on pre-programmed responses, these AI-powered chatbots first discern the user’s intent before providing relevant answers.
AI is Part of The Future, Not The Whole Future
While AI can be a beacon of promise and possibilities, it’s also important that we remain vigilant against the potential pitfalls. By recognizing AI as a tool of empowerment rather than an adversary, we can harness its capabilities for the betterment of our society. What it comes down to is that no AI system, no matter how sophisticated, could ever take the place of the human experience.
