Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Threats
Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool in today's world, although its capabilities are still somewhat limited. Since its emergence, its development has brought tremendous opportunities for humanity, but there are some contradictions, the essence of which is that AI also brings certain threats - the risk of millions of people being out of work. And, of course, this applies to that part of people whose professional activities are not related to these technologies or where human labor can be replaced by artificial intelligence. This problem focuses on the need to educate non-technical people about the principles and foundations of artificial intelligence and the problems that it causes.
Experts from the World Economic Forum note that despite the fact that artificial intelligence has the potential to improve human existence, it nevertheless threatens to deepen social divisions and leave millions of people unemployed. The expansion of artificial intelligence systems can lead to certain disruptions in work, and this, in turn, will require a rethinking of education systems and employment policies (intelligence.weforum.org) .
Despite the problems described above, the following facts should also be noted. Of course, in this context, investments in technical skills look like a rational investment direction, but to improve adaptation to the new structure of employment, such skills as critical thinking and adaptability are required, as well as things that are not available to artificial intelligence, such as emotional intelligence and human touch.
Today, we cannot unequivocally answer the question of whether human labor will ultimately remain, so today there are two problems of concern. The first problem is that if artificial intelligence leads to massive job displacement, it can lead to disastrous consequences caused by inequality, and the problem of inequality in well-being already exists, both within and between countries. And the second problem is related to the key role that work plays in the life of every person, it is a source of financial well-being, a source of personal values and meaning.
What are the scenarios and solutions for the future in this context. The World Economic Forum sees the following decision as the answer to this question. Experts note one of the most popular proposed solutions for a future without a job - a universal basic income that people receive regardless of employment, while emphasizing that although such a program can meet financial needs, a very serious approach is still needed. and preparing for a future without work, which requires a deep rethinking of human identity and the involvement of people and experts from different walks of life to identify ways to effectively manage artificial intelligence, so that AI technologies expand human capabilities and lead only to positive results (intelligence.weforum.org).