AI- a boon or bane??

Artificial intelligence knowledge is not actual intelligence, it is all about augmenting actual and superficial knowledge. The term itself is less threatening than the admittedly ominous-sounding artificial intelligence, which implies a replacement of human intelligence.

Augmented intelligence is a subsection of AI machine learning developed to enhance human intelligence rather than operate independently or outright replace it. It is designed to do so by improving human decision-making and, by extension, actions taken in response to improved decisions. Many of the tools and strategies used in augmented intelligence are used in the broader world of AI, including machine learning and deep learning.

If you have used Alexa, Siri, or another virtual assistant, you’ve used augmented intelligence. Virtual assistants don’t make decisions for you. Instead, they provide the data you need when you need it. When it comes to big data, think of augmented intelligence as virtual assistants for data scientists, who would otherwise be faced with a big, big problem.

As with most things to do with AI, the answer to this question is complicated. There are some risks associated with AI, some pragmatic and some ethical. Leading experts debate how dangerous AI could be in the future, but there is no real consensus yet. However, there are a few dangers that experts agree upon. Many of these are purely hypothetical situations that may happen in the future without proper precautions, and some are real concerns that we deal with today.

There are a myriad of risks to do with AI that we deal with in our lives today. Not every AI risk is as big and worrisome as killer robots or sentient AI. Some of the biggest risks today include things like consumer privacy, biased programming, danger to humans, and unclear legal regulation.

The recently announced ChatGPT, has seen several upgrades since its launch. The AI capabilities of underlying technology has become so sophisticated that people started raising questions whether AI can replace jobs and be used in spreading misinformation. Experts predict that, AI technology comes with real dangers, but can also be "the greatest technology humanity has yet developed" to drastically improve people’s lives.

S Mohini Ratna, Editor, VARINDIA