By Mildred Robertson
While artificial intelligence (AI) has improved various
aspects of our lives, it also has its drawbacks. Because human beings must
program it, an individual can insert their own biases into the output that we
receive. Trash in, trash out.
I don't know how to remove that fault from artificial
intelligence. Those of us who consume its output must be aware that
biases exist and that we should balance the data received with that from other
reputable sources. When we engage in research, we must remain
cognizant that our own biases influence our quest for truth.
Without appropriate oversight, AI can do more harm than
good. Musk's use of this platform to advance his priorities and beliefs
compromises the integrity of the platform. Recently, a message was sent
via Signal that copied Secretary of State Marco Rubio's voice and style to
establish a connection and obtain inside information. The initiative
failed, but bad actors will continue to distribute fake messages mimicking a
politician or industry leaders until they are successful. Cybersecurity
is not what it should be, and the public is at the mercy of AI as it helps bad
actors steal our information and fake our news.
Key ethical implications of the explosion of AI are that it
can amplify the biases of its developers. Further AI may compromise privacy and
data security, leaving vital privacy constraints to creators who may or may not
have the public’s best interest at heart. It is the developers who
must create strict data protection methods to ensure that your data is not used
without your knowledge or consent. But will they?
And then there is the question of who is accountable if AI
makes a mistake?
AI presents the possibility of financial fraud through
market manipulation. Political and social manipulation is already occurring as
we see politicians and celebrities who have literally had words put in their
mouths by deep fakes running rampant on the internet. Many deepfakes appear
surprisingly authentic, causing people to share as though they were true.
As we stand on the brink of the next midterm election, we
must all learn how to utilize this technology to get to the truth. We must seek
reputable news sources and be mindful not to share information that we have not
vetted for accuracy. Sometimes the most recent poll sounds so hopeful, or the
latest opposition scandal sounds so damning that we can’t wait to share it.
Searching for the truth is no easy task. But neither is
maintaining democracy. True patriots will take the time to KNOW and not just go
with the flow. Be mindful of what you read and hear in the news, broadcasts,
and social media. Understand the source of information and its intent. Be
careful what you add to the national discourse.
The nightmare scenario where AI-driven weapons fall into the
hands of a madman, or the AI itself malfunctions and acts outside its
protocols, no longer seems far-fetched. What once seemed simply like science
fiction is now an attainable outcome of advancing AI technology.
We want “I, Robot” to remain a science fiction movie and not
become our reality. We want “The Terminator” to be the musings of a vivid
imagination, and not our lived reality. We want Chat GPT to provide unbiased
data so that relevant truths guide our actions.
This blog is MY opinion. My truth and that
of Elon Musk are very different. I don’t want AI to base its conclusion on
either; just give me the facts!