Recent reports have revealed that the increasing trend of using artificial intelligence will have a significant impact on the world’s population, with 60% of the population expected to lose their jobs or be adversely affected in some way. This impact is not limited to any particular country or region, as both developed and developing countries will be affected. However, the International Monetary Fund has pointed out that developing countries will be impacted the most, with the negative impact being as high as 40%.
The International Monetary Fund has emphasized the importance of considering the advantages and disadvantages of artificial intelligence. During a discussion held in Washington, the managing director of the fund, Kristalina Georgieva, emphasized the need for human society to take into account the new challenge that is being created by the increasing acquisition of everything by artificial intelligence and the handing over of everything to artificial intelligence by humans.
Georgieva also pointed out that artificial intelligence can lead to benefits for a group of people, while causing significant loss to another group of people. This is a situation that must be addressed if we want to ensure that the benefits of artificial intelligence are distributed fairly and equitably.
As we witness the gradual and inevitable invasion of artificial intelligence, human civilisation is undergoing unprecedented changes. This raises the question of whether we are living in the last period of true human existence. The misuse of tools produced by advanced states for global power expansion is leaving people around the world feeling helpless, as they try to deal with the impact of artificial intelligence on their lives.
A trio of challenges facing the global society
Human civilisation is currently facing three major challenges that will have a significant impact on its survival. The first and foremost challenge is the environmental issue. Our planet is facing numerous environmental problems such as climate change, deforestation, pollution, and loss of biodiversity. These environmental issues are all interconnected and have adverse consequences on human health, food security, and economic stability. Despite global awareness of these problems, there is still a lack of national, regional, and global engagement to tackle them effectively.
The second challenge is the possible continental catastrophe caused by nuclear weapons. The possession of nuclear weapons by any country can cause destruction if they fall into the hands of a hostile force operating within or outside that country. The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons has been in force since 1970 but has failed to fulfil its primary ambitions. Currently, 9 countries have officially recognised that they have nuclear weapons, and these states maintain about 12,700 nuclear weapons. The risk of nuclear weapons being used intentionally or accidentally is a constant threat to global security.
The third challenge is the rise of artificial intelligence and its impact on the future of work and society. The fast-paced development of AI has the potential to create significant social and economic disruption, including job displacement, inequality, and privacy concerns. The ethical implications of AI development and deployment are also a growing concern for policymakers and society at large.
Addressing these challenges will require a collaborative effort from governments, organisations, and individuals worldwide. It is vital to prioritise sustainable development, disarmament, and ethical AI development to ensure a safer and more prosperous future for humanity.
Human control without human control
The third challenge facing humanity is the rise of artificial intelligence. Some consider it to be an irreversible development, and it seems that we have yet to fully understand the consequences of this. The danger lies in the fact that we are creating a situation where control is handed over to machines. While many people talk about the benefits of AI, we must be aware that the more we rely on it, the more we give up our own control.
Although we already use basic AI products worldwide, most people do not fully understand how they work. This means that we are already under the control of AI, whether we realise it or not. However, many software products have been introduced by various companies and individuals that are able to provide good results without operating outside the control of a human being.
Nonetheless, 2023 has been named the year of artificial intelligence, and this has led to the development of AI functions without human control. We are no longer in a situation where machines simply answer questions; instead, machines are taking control of human thoughts and desires, as well as entire civilisations. Machines are becoming more and more like humans, and we are at risk of losing our place as rulers of our own world.
This situation could turn human civilisation upside down and reject everything that we have built. We need to be aware of the risks and take steps to ensure that we retain control over AI.
Automation
The advent of artificial intelligence has brought significant changes to the labour market. With the increasing implementation of automation, we are witnessing a decrease in the demand for human labour. This change is expected to affect various sectors, such as agriculture, construction, and transportation, which are already rapidly undergoing automation. The International Monetary Fund and other organisations have emphasized the need for preparing plans to mitigate the impact of such changes, but it is uncertain whether such plans can be effectively implemented.
The probability of job loss due to artificial intelligence is high. However, the extent of job loss in these fields has not yet been calculated. This lack of information creates a dangerous situation for the future, and some experts suggest that humans might have to play subordinate roles in a world dominated by artificial intelligence.
It is essential to consider the ethical implications of artificial intelligence as well. The use of machines to replace human labour can lead to social and economic inequality, as some groups may be more affected than others. Additionally, the use of automation can lead to a loss of human skills and creativity that are vital for innovation and progress.
Therefore, it is necessary to find ways to balance the implementation of automation while ensuring that humans are not left behind. This might involve redefining the roles of humans in the workplace, providing education and training to acquire new skills, and creating new job opportunities that complement the work of machines. By doing so, we can ensure that the benefits of artificial intelligence are enjoyed by everyone in a fair and equitable manner.
