It is estimated that labor productivity will increase by 11% to 37% by 2035 (EP Think Tank 2020), thanks to artificial intelligence. The use of these systems will have a major impact on people’s lives and work in the future. The impacts can be both positive and negative, and they span areas ranging from healthcare to business and job creation. Regardless of the sector in which these systems are used, it is always important to be aware of the risks and to handle them with care.
BENEFITS:
In the private sector, artificial intelligence has great potential for the development and implementation of new products. Companies are currently striving to manufacture products and provide services in an environmentally friendly manner, without causing unnecessary pollution. The circular and green economy have proven effective in this regard, and it is precisely in the implementation of these methods that these systems offer significant benefits. At the same time, they can optimize sales channels, improve machine maintenance, increase production and quality, enhance customer service, and save energy.
For the public sector, the use of artificial intelligence in waste management can be a major benefit, particularly in terms of efficient waste management and the production of sustainable products. It is estimated that by 2030, artificial intelligence will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1.5% to 4% (EP Think Tank 2020). Another significant area is education and training. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence served as a partial substitute for in-person education.
Another potential benefit is the replacement of humans with artificial intelligence in life-threatening situations. However, in some professions, this could be perceived as replacing human labor with machines, which could lead to job losses. Professions at relatively high risk include, for example, copywriters, graphic designers, salespeople, bankers, and entry-level administrative positions (tasks such as note-taking, proofreading, and spreadsheet management). But we can already see gradual automation taking place, for example in car factories.
Artificial intelligence could also be utilized in the realm of democracy and human coexistence, for example as a tool for conducting elections, provided that maximum security and protection of all data are ensured (such as by guaranteeing access to accurate information, particularly in the context of election campaigns). In connection with democracy and equal treatment of individuals, it would be possible and conceivable to use AI systems specifically in human resources, for example during job interviews. Since artificial intelligence operates based on the data it receives and processes, its “analysis” is not based on subjectivity—and thus on impressions and feelings—which can be helpful in several respects when selecting employees. In any case, especially in the field of human resources, a human perspective would always be essential, and it would not be possible to rely solely on machine-evaluated data.
RISKS:
Despite all the advantages and benefits that artificial intelligence brings, we must always consider the risks it entails. The big question is to what extent its use is safe. Inadequate implementation of these systems can mean a loss of opportunities or competitive advantage for a company or organization. The goal of individual countries should be to utilize these technologies in a way that maximizes benefits for citizens and advances society. However, we often encounter situations where this is not feasible for a country, which may be due, for example, to insufficient investment in this area or a shortage of experts. On the other hand, excessive implementation can also have negative effects if a system is introduced that has not been sufficiently tested and is not effective at all. It is essential to find a balance and implement artificial intelligence systematically and, above all, effectively.
Another issue is liability for damage that artificial intelligence may cause. A much-discussed topic in this area is autonomous vehicles—in the event of an accident, who is liable: the person sitting in the car but not driving (?); the car manufacturer, or the company that created the software? Or if a programmer uses artificial intelligence to generate code and the code turns out to be faulty with catastrophic consequences, who will be held liable in that case? Most likely the programmer, though this may not always be the case. As the range of applications expands, it will become essential to determine who is responsible for the consequences. Where humans can err, machines can err as well.
Artificial intelligence is a benefit to society and democracy, but it can also become a threat. Artificial intelligence relies on the data we “feed” it. If the input data is biased—whether intentionally or unintentionally—against a certain group of people, this can have serious consequences for the subsequent outputs (e.g., racist or xenophobic attitudes).
Artificial intelligence can, and most likely will, have a major impact on employment. According to OECD statistics, 14% of jobs can be easily automated, though these figures vary by country (in Slovakia, this could be over 30%). Although the statistics point toward rising unemployment, the introduction of these systems is also expected to create new jobs.
Security risks are another category that must be addressed when implementing artificial intelligence. Whether artificial intelligence comes into direct contact with people or is implanted in the human body, it can always pose a serious security risk, such as a breach of information security or a cyberattack. The use of artificial intelligence in weapons or for military purposes faces the same risks, particularly hacking, misuse, and loss of control over its use.
Despite all the risks that artificial intelligence entails, its progress cannot be stopped. The possibilities for its use are constantly expanding, and its implementation in the private and public sectors is becoming increasingly common. It is important to utilize its benefits as effectively as possible, with a particular focus on security (of data, information, etc.), while simultaneously mapping and analyzing the associated risks, seeking solutions to eliminate or prevent them, and minimizing them to the greatest extent possible.
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