Pros and Cons of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence
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Artificial Intelligence
Introduction
Mankind continues to outdo himself with each passing day. Inventions and creations that are beyond imagination are flooding the markets and the world keeps changing. Artificial intelligence is not new but the rate at which it is changing the world is worth mentioning. Narayanan (2019) defines it as “the simulation of Human Intelligence by machines.” Mankind has been trying to replicate himself and currently, engineers are working hard to make sure machines and most specifically computer systems are able to replicate what mankind can do. Currently, there are some jobs that have already been replaced by AI. For example, railway station ticket sellers, factory workers, bridge toll collectors, and bowling alley pinsetters are but a few examples of workers who have already seen their jobs replaced. In the past, railway stations needed to be manned by people who sold tickets and confirmed their authenticity. However, today, ticket sellers are done automatically. One can buy a ticket online and have it verified on the day one is travelling. The position of ticket sellers has already been eliminated and many other jobs will encounter the same fate in a few years. AI is changing the world and even though there are some ethical issues and other problems associated with AI, the pros appear to be overwhelmingly strong.
People are scared of the unknown in the world of artificial intelligence. There are many stories going around about AI and how it will change or impact the world. Some people are afraid of a world where machines could eventually be developed to a point where they can replicate what mankind can do. Others see the world described above as a possibility and relish the idea of having machines with the same thought-process as that of human beings. Regardless of where one belongs to, the development of AI continues and in the end, it will change and influence the world.
Like other machines and developments in the world today, AI’s sole purpose or goal is to help augment mankind’s capabilities and to improve the lives of people around the world. A good example of how AI can help improve the lives of people around the world is to help fight world hunger. In 2009, the Food and Agriculture Organization reported that the world’s population will reach 9.1 billion by 2050. With such numbers, it will be problematic to feed the entire world and hunger will be a major problem. In his article, Ishir (2018) talks about smart farming noting that AI can indeed be used to help feed the world’s increasing population. He mentions precision farming and how it “makes use of real-time historical data in combination with machine learning algorithms for specific actions.” Wastage and damage of crops could be reduced through the introduction of precision farming. Aside from improving life in general through its many applications, AI augments mankind’s skills and abilities. Narayanan (2019) offers a simple explanation of how machines can enhance mankind’s abilities. He says that machines have no “emotions or disturbance, can perform a heavy load of work in faster time and are less prone to...