Last week’s “Why I Love Artificial Intelligence Platforms” listed benefits I’ve enjoyed from AI: mechanical repairs; rapid identification of long-ago, vaguely described devices, places, and writings; precise scientific estimates; and fast, good-quality graphics. In contrast, today’s essay describes the downsides of AI: Mediocrity, Ideology, Unemployment, Snooping, Plagiarism, Disinformation, and Pollution. These dangers are unsettling but none has me losing sleep—yet.
SEVEN DEADLY SINS
Let’s examine the seven concerns:
UNEMPLOYMENT
If you just spent $150,000 on your graphic-design education, the Bosch homage above should frighten you. It’s likely better than anything you can do. With AI, an editor can devise such graphics for free in a few minutes, rather than pay you and wait for you. Other professionals who should worry include computer programmers, musicians, translators, copywriters, paralegals, accountants, researchers, technical writers, architects, radiologists, journalists, and educators.
POLLUTION
AI uses vast amounts of electric power and water. If carbon and heat emissions are a concern, AI should be on your mind.
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