When machines can learn what will the world look like? Machine learning already exists but we're still at a stage where how they learn has to be programmed. What if we could program a replica of the human brain with all of its complexities? I believe it is not a question of if we will ever be able to achieve such a feat, but when. It sounds like something straight out of a science fiction novel, but as we advance scientifically the imagination of sci-fi writers will slowly become science-reality.
The major risk that lies in such a future would be losing control. Currently as a society we think of machines as slaves. They do the work we program them to do and that's it. But in a world where machine learning has advanced enough to the point where artificial intelligence can reprogram itself completely, humans are no longer in control. We should be careful how much power we give machines, lest we lose control and they become their own masters.
Though there is risk, most agree that artificial intelligence has the potential to make the world a better place. Artificial intelligence is currently being used to help aid doctors in making accurate diagnosis. Navigate roadways safely with an accident rate far lower than the average human driver. And even do discovery work for lawyers that was previously done at a much slower pace by entry-level lawyers. The main benefit artificial intelligence has to offer to our world today is efficiency. Everything will become more efficient which in theory is a good thing. In reality with a growing population of 7.4 billion people and more and more jobs being automated this efficiency could cause issues. Thankfully this will take place in the future, but it is something we must start thinking about now in the past.
-JC
Further Reading:
http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20161202-artificial-intelligence-could-one-day-make-us-feel-awkward
http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-30290540
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/ibm-watson-proper-diagnosis-doctors-stumped-article-1.2741857
Photo by Michael Himbeault / CC BY
The major risk that lies in such a future would be losing control. Currently as a society we think of machines as slaves. They do the work we program them to do and that's it. But in a world where machine learning has advanced enough to the point where artificial intelligence can reprogram itself completely, humans are no longer in control. We should be careful how much power we give machines, lest we lose control and they become their own masters.
Though there is risk, most agree that artificial intelligence has the potential to make the world a better place. Artificial intelligence is currently being used to help aid doctors in making accurate diagnosis. Navigate roadways safely with an accident rate far lower than the average human driver. And even do discovery work for lawyers that was previously done at a much slower pace by entry-level lawyers. The main benefit artificial intelligence has to offer to our world today is efficiency. Everything will become more efficient which in theory is a good thing. In reality with a growing population of 7.4 billion people and more and more jobs being automated this efficiency could cause issues. Thankfully this will take place in the future, but it is something we must start thinking about now in the past.
-JC
Further Reading:
http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20161202-artificial-intelligence-could-one-day-make-us-feel-awkward
http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-30290540
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/ibm-watson-proper-diagnosis-doctors-stumped-article-1.2741857
Photo by Michael Himbeault / CC BY