admin With the increase of automated technology in our day-to-day lives, such as what we see in factories and auto-pilot capabilities on cars, I believe these self-working machines and AI technology will make the largest impact on our society in the future. Already we see machines replacing humans for more delicate or tedious tasks, performing brain surgery or screwing nuts and bolts on an assembly line. I can see this trend continuing, more and more jobs will be replaced by robotic alternatives, and humans will have less need to do menial or dangerous positions as their profession. I would like to hope that this opens up opportunities for mankind to rethink the system we live in and allow time for activities and hobbies in place of spending your energy and motivation, possibly even risking your well-being, on jobs that can easily be done by robots. People will instead be employed in jobs that will help us improve our environment, teach others skills and trades, and be researchers or artists. In order for this to be successful, I believe we would have to transition to a more widespread socialist-type society where we work for the common good rather than primarily for capitalist gain.
It is easy to think that with AI becoming more sophisticated there is a fear of these machines losing control, or taking over humanity. This may be a challenge that we face with AI getting smarter all the time, our future may see war with the machines we created. In addition to this, some people greatly value their privacy and the control they have over their own life, with the introduction of more and more technology, it may feel like you are losing some of your freedom. Though reservations can be had, I like to think that AI will do more good than harm. Car crashes may decrease if self-driving cars become mainstream, including improved public transit, ultimately improving our environment. AI may be able to solve crimes quicker and with more accuracy, you may even be able to receive an accurate early diagnosis of an illness from a machine. I also can ponder how far AI will go, will machines like “Alexa” develop thoughts and feelings. Maybe they will have to join our society and live alongside us every day like in the video game Detroit: Become Human. Though risks are evident, many good things can come from AI and how it is advancing, and though it may seem daunting and like a plunge into the unknown, the positives will outweigh the negatives.
When I look towards the future, though some may think it naive, I think it is good to have faith in humanity and the future of mankind (or AI kind), otherwise, nothing will improve or change with advancing technology. I see a future where we depend heavily on tech, which may have its setbacks because nothing is ever completely foolproof. There will always be possible complications with all the machinery we will be dealing with, but I think as time goes on we will become more equipped to handle these situations and have a backup plan if needed. Though there are possible risks, I can see many positive outcomes such as improved accessibility for people with disabilities, better green energy, medical advancements, and discoveries about our universe. Technology is extremely important and will continue to improve, grow and change, forever intertwined with our daily lives and something we all rely on. We will only become more reliant on technology, but if society can change along with the constant technological advancements, it may greatly improve mankind and the planet we live on.
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/08/here-s-how-technology-can-help-us-save-the-planet/ – An article detailing the risks of climate change and the ways technology can help aid the healing of the planet.
