This essay was written by me to submit to the Goa state essay writing competition 2023
In the world we live in, innovation is credited with advancing society, and one of humanity's
greatest innovations was the development of artificial intelligence (AI).
AI or Artificial Intelligence can be seen as a way for humans to consistently create in various
disciplines without directly applying any of their new resources.
One of the most visible examples of this is how easily it has integrated into our daily lives as
curiosities that arise in one's mind no longer need to be replied to by a human or through the use of words in a book buried in a dusty library corner; rather, queries can now be directly answered in an instant with a voice from within any electronic device such as a smartphone, laptop, and so on via the use of virtual assistants.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a revolutionary force that is reshaping industries and domains across the globe. Its ability to mimic human intelligence and automate complex tasks has unlocked a plethora of benefits in various fields. From healthcare to finance, education to transportation, AI is leaving an indelible mark on how we live and work.
One of the most promising applications of AI is in the healthcare sector. AI-powered tools and algorithms have the potential to revolutionize patient care, diagnosis, and drug discovery. A.I. has impacted the healthcare sector through advancing medical diagnosis as AI systems can analyze vast datasets, including medical records and imaging scans, to detect diseases with remarkable accuracy. For instance, AI algorithms can identify cancerous tumors in radiology images, leading to earlier detection and improved patient outcomes. AI can also analyze a patient's genetic makeup to tailor treatment plans, optimizing drug effectiveness and minimizing adverse reactions.
Another industry to be impacted by A.I. is the financial industry which has been quick to
embrace AI, benefiting from its ability to analyze data at lightning speed and make informed
decisions. AI-driven algorithms can assess and predict financial risks more accurately than ever before, helping financial institutions make informed lending decisions and manage portfolios effectively. AI is used to develop trading algorithms that execute buy and sell orders at optimal times, maximizing returns and minimizing market volatility.
In the field of education, AI is revolutionizing the learning experience for students and educators alike through allowing more personalized Learning as AI-driven educational platforms adapt to individual student needs, providing customized learning materials and pacing to enhance student performance. AI can also automate the grading of assignments and assessments, saving educators time and allowing for more timely feedback to students.
The transportation sector is a sector that is undergoing a profound transformation thanks to AI, with advancements in autonomous vehicles and traffic management systems which does not get recognised much. The biggest impact which can be seen is through AI-enabled self-driving cars which promise to reduce accidents, increase traffic efficiency, and provide mobility options for people with disabilities. AI can also optimize traffic flow in real-time, reducing congestion and lowering emissions by ensuring vehicles move efficiently.
AI is continuously finding itself generating different things, from generating and driving an
automated car to generating creative art pieces to music numbers to even academic essays, where the software can write a 4-page lengthy essay from only a few words provided in the command box, bypassing even the most advanced plagiarism checks.
The benefit of this is that objects generated by AI tend to push the boundaries of whatever field they work in. Be it art, where A.I. generated artworks have created pieces that combine parts or colour schemes that people might be scared to explore with, or music, where songs of polar
opposite genres are combined effortlessly as if performed on the same instrument.
However, we must ask ourselves, "How far is too far with AI?" and "Who sets the limit?"
Individualism is a philosophical and sociopolitical idea that emphasises the value of the
individual as a distinct and self-contained entity. It promotes the belief that people have inherent rights, freedoms, and responsibilities and that they should be free to make their own choices and judgements without intervention from the government, society, or other external forces.
While perfect individuality is not possible in our society, it is clear that individualism is being lost over time since one of the main principles of individualism- self-reliance- is being compromised.
Individualism promotes self-reliance and self-responsibility, emphasising the importance of
individuals caring for themselves and their well-being.
Self-reliance in an artificial intelligence-filled society is a challenging job, and it makes me
wonder about the next generation, a generation that will be even more dependent on the ease provided by AI.
AI is also to blame for the loss of the 'human touch.' "The human touch" is an idiomatic expression that refers to the quality of personal interaction, empathy, warmth, and emotional connection in human relationships. The more material we are exposed to that is generated by these smart 'A.I. generating platforms,' the more we lose our sense of distinction. Just as every artist has a recognisable trademark- their brushstrokes, colour palette, and so on- so does A.I., whether in their artworks, literary articles, or any other form. They are different yet the same, and it weakens the link between the viewer and the item being put in front of them as they all can be termed as a ‘xerox of a xerox’ or a ‘copy of a copy’.
Art pieces typically have a backstory; the artwork came to be the way it is as a result of the
artist's experiences; However, A.I. generated pieces do not share this feature; instead,
A.I.-generated pieces are simply a collection of machine-learned data formed into an art piece purely for aesthetic value rather than being shaped based on past experiences, different perceptions and other factors that drive humans to create the way they create.
A database of advanced algorithms is used by A.I. which thus has access to all types of
secondary information from a range of sources and is thus perceived as unbiased or unable to build a prejudice because they have access to every potential side; yet, A.I. is not free of bias and is not as transparent as they appear to be. Because A.I. is given knowledge by people, it is predisposed to 'digest' ignorance and other ills that impact human information processing.
As DataRobot reported in 2021, when you look up 'school boy' on Google, a search engine that ranks first and is practically used by everyone, you will find harmless and accurate to the
description images, but flip the gender and you will see a completely different set of results. The strange and ill-nature of objectifying women extends beyond human thoughts; it is generated on our screens by artificial intelligence.
The benefits of AI in multiple fields are undeniable. It enhances efficiency, accuracy, and
innovation across various sectors, ultimately improving the quality of life for individuals and the competitiveness of businesses. As AI continues to evolve, its potential to address complex challenges and create transformative solutions will only grow. However, it is essential to approach AI deployment with ethical considerations and responsible practices to ensure that these benefits are realized while minimizing potential drawbacks.
The integration of AI into various fields is a testament to human ingenuity and our ability to
harness technology for the betterment of society and it is essential for us to remember that A.I. was initially intended to be a tool to be used at our disposal rather than humans being tools used by the A.I.
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