Artificial Intelligence: Life as We Know It

Artificial intelligence or AI is defined in today’s culture as technology or computer systems designed to perform certain tasks. It is commonly mistaken for robots seen in science fiction movies but we face AI on a daily basis without realizing it. I think artificial intelligence is a good thing for society. It has made many tasks easier for many people. On another hand, I do worry that eventually our jobs will be take over by AI.

Newman responds to the common opinion that technology isolates people in her article “To Siri, With Love.” She evaluates the more uncommon view that technology does that opposite of isolating. The author begins her article by telling a story of her autistic son and his relationship with Siri, Apple’s artificial intelligence assistant on iPhones. She proceeded to discuss that her son, Gus, has a fondness for Siri. The AI has enabled Gus to be able to communicate in ways that many people would not take the time to do with him. The program forces him to enunciate, allows him to practice his manner and Siri is always nice to him. Most importantly she discusses that it helps people who have trouble communicating. Newman embraces Siri for not only her autistic son but many others who also need comfort.

Chiang’s response to artificial intelligence is completely different from Newman’s. He responds to the popular opinions that AI’s will destroy humanity. His take on the argument is that corporations are really who is to blame for the corruption. He compares the two when saying, “Corporations don’t operate autonomously, of course, and the humans in charge of them are presumably capable of insight, but capitalism doesn’t reward them for using it.” He says the AI’s are a distraction from what the government really does. Overall Chiang feels that artificial intelligence is not to blame.