Is Artificial Intelligence Outsmarting the Human Race?
I was never really concerned about Artificial Intelligence (AI) until after reading the articles by Chiang and Newman. Although Newman brings up a good point with how technology is beneficial to those who have been diagnosed with disorders, in this case autism, because it allows them to connect with something when it is hard to connect with other people. However, in Chiang’s article, the expression of fear of the progression of AI intelligence really sparked my interest. I am beginning to fully understand just what exactly is going on. What if AI does outsmart us? What is going to happen? I mean we are seeing it already with the robots making appearances on talk shows like Jimmy Fallon as well as others. We see how smart they already are, as if they were human. But what happens to us when those robots become smarter than us, because that is the path that they are on. I believe that with the continuing progression of AI, we are going to face some serious consequences.
In Chiang’s article, ‘Silicon Valley is Turning Into its Own Worst Fear’, he makes it clear to include explanations of others as well as his own about their fear of the progression of Artificial Intelligence. Chiang was smart and included testimony of Elon Musk, founder, CEO, and lead designer of SpaceX, who fears that, “AI is a fundamental risk to the existence of human civilization”. This quote shows that even people involved in the business are nervous for the consequences that are going to arise in the future if someone does not start controlling what is going on. Chiang furthers his argument and adds his view on the situation. He also believes that if corporations do not get a hold of AI, it is going to quickly spiral out of control. By stating, “[…] companies in Silicon Valley need to realize that increasing market share isn’t a good reason to ignore all other considerations” Chiang is trying to argue that these companies that are so concerned about making a profit, are going to be the ones that let this situation get out of our hands. If we do not start acting smarter, soon enough AI is going to outsmart us and that will be the end of the story.
Newman’s article, “To Siri, With Love”, however, offers the exact opposite position of this debate. The article is a “love letter” from a Mom, whose 13-year-old son, Gus, has Autism, to Siri, thanking her for everything she has done for her son. Siri offered her son the chance to be friends with “someone” who essentially “understood him”. The thing is Siri is not a person and although Gus knows that on an intellectual level, it allows him to connect with someone, where he is in charge of the conversation. This is very important for someone diagnosed with Autism.
