Will A.I. Take Over? (Spoiler Alert: It Already Has)

Art by KeTia Star

Technological advancements have always served as means to foster ease of access to industries and everyday individuals alike–weaving the threads of convenience, innovation, and, at times, unforeseen challenges. From the invention of the printing press as it revolutionized communication via mass production of printed materials, to the telephone as it was the onset of real-time communication over long distances, the internet granting the opportunity for global connection to information, and now cloud computing as it revolutionized how we store, access, and share data applications–each leap forward has shaped the way we live, learn, work, worship, play, create, and otherwise interact with the world around us. 

However, every revolutionary step forward is met with stumbling blocks—setbacks that test our resilience and push the boundaries of our understanding. Throughout history, these same industries and individuals have also faced obstacles stemming from these technological advancements. The industrial revolution, for instance, brought about unprecedented economic growth and societal transformation; but also led to labor displacement and environmental degradation. Similarly, the rapid increase of automation in the late 20th century streamlined production processes but raised concerns about job security and income inequality. 

Enter the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), a technological gamechanger that has redefined our relationship with machines and algorithms. While AI holds the potential to revolutionize industries from art and healthcare, to transportation, its rise has sparked apprehension about its perceived threats—the greatest of those being the AI takeover, or the notion that machines will surpass human intelligence and wrest control from their creators.  

Art by KeTia Star

Except that, it already has—only because we have allowed it to. The true threat posed by AI lies not in the machines themselves, but rather in the hands of those who forge and wield them. Creators and users alike bear the responsibility of ensuring that AI is developed and deployed ethically and responsibly. This entails addressing issues such as algorithmic bias, data privacy, and the societal impact of automation. 

Algorithmic bias is the systematic discriminatory outcomes of AI, typically occurring due to underrepresentation of data used or existing social inequalities reflected in training AI models—causing limited or skewed input data. To minimize this outcome, we must ensure diverse and representative data sets for training AI models, regularly audit algorithms to detect and mitigate bias, and implement techniques to design algorithms that prioritize equitable outcomes. 

Data privacy deals with the protection of individuals' personal information and the responsible handling of data by organizations. With AI, there's risk of sensitive data being misused or compromised, leading to privacy violations and breaches of trust. Ensuring data privacy requires implementation of robust data protection measures, such as encryption and access controls, obtaining informed consent from individuals before collecting and using their data, and complying with regulations and standards to safeguard privacy rights.  

Automation driven by AI has the potential to enhance productivity and efficiency, while also leading to job displacement and widening the gap between skilled and unskilled workers. The unequal distribution of benefits from automation may also deepen existing disparities in income and opportunity. Addressing automation’s societal impact would involve investing in training programs that equip workers for an AI-driven economy, implementing policies to support workers affected by automation, and promoting inclusive economic growth that ensures the benefits of automation are shared equitably across society. 

Art by KeTia Star

As we stand on the cusp of this technological revolution, it is imperative that we approach the rise of AI with a clarity of its potential benefits and pitfalls. Rather than succumbing to fear or resistance, we should embrace the opportunity to shape AI in a way that aligns with our values and aspirations as a society.  In moving forward, we must prioritize collaboration, transparency, and inclusivity–fostering a dialogue that engages stakeholders from all walks of life. 

We prioritize collaboration by identifying and engaging a wide range of stakeholders, creating opportunities for meaningful participation, and facilitating dialogue, partnerships, and cooperation to address shared challenges and opportunities—all while encouraging mutual respect. Here, we may also share best practices, exchange ideas, and collaborate on projects related to AI ethics, governance, and policy. 

We prioritize transparency by providing clear and accessible information on the development, deployment, and impact of AI technologies—including disclosing how algorithms work, what data is being used, and how decisions are made. We foster transparency in decision-making processes by making relevant documents, reports, and policies publicly available. Transparency builds trust and allows stakeholders to examine and understand the decisions being made. 

We prioritize inclusivity in AI research, development, and deployment by promoting the participation of underrepresented groups, as well as ensuring that AI technologies are designed to be inclusive and equitable–taking into account the needs and perspectives of all users, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, socio-economic status, or disability status. 

Art by KeTia Star

By harnessing the collective wisdom of humanity, we can steer the course of AI development towards a future that is not only technologically advanced but also equitable and sustainable. 

The rise of AI represents a pivotal moment in human history—one that demands thoughtful reflection and decisive action. By learning from the lessons of the past and embracing our shared responsibility, we can navigate this new frontier with confidence and optimism, unlocking the full potential of AI to create a brighter, more inclusive future for all. 

Watch The NBAR Elite Podcast episode 8 and find out what an AI takeover would mean for humanity.