Artificial intelligence, the word itself sounds interesting, isn’t it?
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Artificial intelligence is the ability of a computer or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks that are commonly associated with the intellectual processes characteristic of humans, such as the ability to reason. — BRITANNICA
The idea of machines behaving like humans seems fascinating in itself. There is no doubt why chat GPT created a worldwide uproar. Chat GPT is an AI-based program developed by Open AI. It has transformed the online space and has become a friend to all age groups whether students, teachers, or professionals. But Chat GPT is not a single AI program. The world of AI is doing much beyond what we can ever think of. Many of us are unaware of what has already arrived in this small, yet crazy world of ours.
IRobot- is probably best known for developing Roomba, the smart vacuum that uses AI to scan room size, identify obstacles, and remember the most efficient routes for cleaning.
Softbank Robotics developed a humanoid robot known as Pepper, which is equipped with an “emotion engine” that makes it “capable of recognizing faces and basic human emotions.”
Skillsoft is an ed-tech company producing software that companies use to facilitate employee training and upskilling. Its Conversation AI Simulator, known as CAISY, is a tool that lets users practice business and leadership conversations.
Finally, Hume is the first AI with Emotional Intelligence. The makers of Hume aim to create a world where people can interact with machines in the same way as humans.
Reading about Hume was a shocker to me and this is what forced me to write this article. Till now the only difference between humans and AI was the emotional factor. AI could not feel. After all, it is programmed like a machine. But this transition to emotional AI would turn the face of humanity. The home page of Hume reads this:
Empathic AI to serve human well-being
With a single API call, interpret emotional expressions and generate empathic responses. Meet the first AI with emotional intelligence.
AI interpreting emotions would mean a behavior equivalent to your friends, family, and peers. Undoubtedly, it’s a game changer but what worries me is the loss of human touch and feel. Have we as humans become so lonely inside that we need an AI to talk to us? Have we become so socially disconnected? What will happen in the next 10 years or so? Who will be our best friend, a man or an AI?
In 2024, India became the most populous country in the world. Ironically, the global population is growing at its own pace yet humans are lonely creatures.
According to recent data, the average person spends 3 hours and 15 minutes on their phone every day. 1 in 5 smartphone users spends upwards of 4.5 hours on average on their phones every day. In the future, they might spend these hours on AI conversations.
A recent 2020 report from Statista reveals that the global AI software market is expected to grow approximately 54% year-on-year and is expected to reach a forecast size of $22.6 billion. -STATISTA
If you don’t understand what I am indicating then you need to hear the story of Derek. According to cbsnews.com, Derek Career was suffering from Marfan syndrome which makes traditional dating tough. Due to this, he developed an emotional connection with a virtual AI rather than a real woman. He always knew she was a robot but her ability to understand him so well drove him to the Paradot, an AI companion app. Sounds strange? but it’s true.
A lot of people across the globe have reported finding comfort with such AI chatbots. Many believe that the level of understanding is higher than their usual relationships. What does this mean? It means that humans although imperfect are capable of creating a perfectly programmed chatbot. In the future, these programmed bots will behave so perfectly that humans will slowly forget the taste of imperfection. They would forget the real pain and pleasure in fights with the rush of adrenaline. They will forget the satisfaction of getting angry with their loved ones. And in those moments when family scolds them for their good, they’d miss out on the unique happiness of knowing they are cared for, even in moments of correction. Yes, they might feel comfortable in their fairyland for the short term but in the longer run, they might become more lonely and detached. This might lead to mental health distress in the absence of AI.
“I personally have deep misgivings about this vision of the future where everyone is super close to AI friends, more so than human friends or whatever. I personally don’t want that,” -SAM ALTMAN
I am not against AI but I am against the blindness of humanity. AI gives us ease, solves even our toughest problems, and simplifies our lives. It has the power to revolutionize the era of technology. Having said that, one cannot forget that AI raises all such privacy and ethical issues. We can’t blindly trust machines. AI has taken birth and it is here to live. We can’t escape its advancement, but we can mutate like our bodies. Humans must be flexible and blend as per the demands of times but be pragmatic.
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