The Dark Side of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Are We Creating a Monster That Could Overtake Us?

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The Dark Side of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Are We Creating a Monster That Could Overtake Us?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a famous phrase on everyone's lips, from tech conferences to corporate boardrooms. On the other hand, since November 2022, we have seen AI revolutionize many facets of our lives. Here at Wealthy Affiliate, the platform has also embraced artificial intelligence.

Nevertheless, there are some worries about its possible negative consequences.

Could AI become a monster that we cannot escape? In this blog post, I will examine artificial intelligence's contentious dark side and explain any probable risks and hazards.

Disclaimer: I did not use ChatGPT for this. I used old-fashioned research using Quora, Wikipedia, blog posts, articles, forums, scientist papers from journals, and other science journals exploring the vast frontier of AI. To quote Captian Kirk of Star Trek, the voice that says, " boldly to go where no man has gone before."

Read Frank's Blog Post:

Are You Ready For The AI-Generated Metaverse (AIGM)?

Let's delve into the fascinating world of AI.

What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

Photo: AI 3D PhotoRealism made from MidJourney

Using artificial intelligence (AI), machines are programmed to think and learn as humans do. The idea is to simulate human intelligence. An intelligent computer program can perform tasks that require human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, decision-making, speech recognition, and natural language processing.

Throughout the 19th century, mathematicians and scientists tried to develop methods to build machines that could be human-like with their thought processes.

According to Wikipedia, there were several prototypes of automated machines built during the 19th century that solved mathematical equations and played games like chess. With advances in robotics, natural language processing, and expert systems, AI research gained more attention by the 1950s and 1960s.

Who invented AI, and What is its Historical Significance?

Are you aware that artificial intelligence has existed since antiquity? John McCarthy, an American computer scientist, coined the term "artificial intelligence" in 1956.

How many of you remember Robby the Robot from the movie Forbidden Planet (based on Isaac Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics (1941))? 

I was not born until seven years later, but I remember watching repeat films as a child. I did not like it. I was scared of it because of the noise it made.

Photo: Robby the Robot, 1956 movie, Forbidden Planet

History is filled with attempts to create machines that could simulate human thought and behavior.

It all started with ancient myths, stories, and legends from Greek, Roman, and Egyptian mythologies. Aristotle, Euclid, and Blaise Pascal were all math geniuses and philosophers who believed a machine could be built to think like humans.

The Turing Test and neural networks in the 1940s laid the foundation for modern AI research.

In the 1950s, algorithms led to the term "artificial intelligence."

Today's machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics breakthroughs are revolutionizing healthcare and finance. AI-based technologies like self-driving cars and voice assistants are becoming more prevalent daily.

The deployment of AI tools has inspired an exciting new era of transformation, creating efficiencies and uncovering machine-driven insights that were previously impossible. Our imagination only limits the possibilities.

Why is AI Taking Over The World?

As a result of AI, businesses, governments, and individuals are receiving many advantages. With its ability to process massive amounts of data quickly, machines can learn from previous experiences and become more intelligent as their national language processing learns and improves over time.

To Quote Spock (Leonard Nimoy) in Star Trek, “Computers make excellent and efficient servants, but I have no wish to serve under them.”

AI also helps with automation:

  • Customer service support.
  • Personalized recommendations for shopping
  • Assistance with writer's block.
  • Inventory management systems.
  • Supply chain logistics.
  • Reducing costs and improving efficiency,

All of these features appear to benefit everyone. Artificial Intelligence technology has made our lives so much easier, and it cannot be denied. For future growth toward sustainable innovation, it is essential to encourage responsible usage among all stakeholders.

What Are the Risks and Dangers of AI?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is also associated with risks and dangers despite its potential to improve and simplify our lives.

Risks that are concerning to some scientists and other human thoughts from various sources from YouTube, Bloggers, and other experts who feel that:

AI could become more intelligent than humans: Humans would lose control over this technology, allowing these machines to make decisions independently.

Potential impact on employment: As machines become more advanced, they may be able to replace workers in many industries, causing widespread job losses and economic disruption.

Ethical considerations regarding AI: Facial recognition software has sometimes been used for surveillance without consent.

Security risks associated with AI: Hackers can exploit artificial intelligence systems to commit cyberattacks - putting sensitive data at risk.

AI has potential risks, but we should focus on its positive advancements and take preventive measures. The fear of AI being used to destroy humanity lacks substantial evidence.

Photo: AI Robot dressed in green; we could assume it's a military robot.

As a society, we must ensure that artificial intelligence is used responsibly and ethically. It is also important to remember that appropriately managing AI can positively impact human productivity and efficiency.

How Do We Prevent the Negative Impacts of AI?

A growing number of people are concerned about the potential impact of artificial intelligence on society, including job losses resulting from automation replacing human workers.

It is undeniably true that Artificial Intelligence can bring about groundbreaking advancements in our lives. Yet, it is necessary to proactively work towards minimizing the potential risks that come with it.

These data privacy intrusions can lead to cyber-attacks posing both personal and collective risks and the threat of self-driving cars malfunctioning abnormally, which may pose a safety risk to passengers.

1. Transparency plays an integral role here: Developers must be precise about what data they are collecting and how their AI functions to build confidence.

2. Ethical conventions must be implemented: Creating and harnessing AI systems and prioritizing human safety.

3. Investing in education programs on AI's benefits and limitations: Teaches individuals to understand its capabilities without falling prey to inaccurate or exaggerated claims about its abilities.

People ought to protect themselves against unintended consequences from artificial intelligence requires collaboration across various sectors, including business leaders, policymakers, researchers, academics, journalists, ethicists, and consumers.

Should We Embrace AI and Use It or Not?

As we continue to develop and improve Artificial Intelligence (AI), the question arises whether or not we should fully embrace it.

Photo: AI Robot

In one sense, AI has demonstrated tremendous potential for improving healthcare, transportation, and communication and helping many industries and corporations, both in the public and private sectors. Still, it may also pose a threat to society.

I read many different forums, scientist white papers, and different experts arguing that embracing AI accepts the inevitability of its progression and development. They believe that instead of fearing AI, we should work towards regulating it and ensuring its responsible use. Others suggest taking a more cautious approach by limiting the scope of AI's capabilities and focusing on creating ethical guidelines for its usage.

It is essential to consider outweighing both sides when deciding how much trust to put in technology like AI. Ultimately, weighing up the benefits against the risks is critical in determining whether or not we should fully embrace it for personal use.

To build trust with consumers concerned about privacy violations, AI companies must ensure that data collection and use are transparent. Ultimately, only time will tell if embracing artificial intelligence leads us down an optimistic path or paves the way for unintended consequences - leading us further into unknown territory.

Alternatives to AI?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a popular subject of discussion nowadays. Nevertheless, there are other answers to our questions. Other options can be as successful, or even more so, than AI.

Old-fashioned human contact remains fundamental in healthcare, law enforcement, and education. A choice that should be considered is the average human intellect. AI can quickly process vast sets of data; nonetheless, humans have the advantage of making connections and relying on instincts that machines cannot duplicate correctly.

The other alternative is to use augmented intelligence or IA, combining AI and human strengths. With IA systems, machines work alongside humans rather than replacing them entirely. This approach allows for more personalized solutions while benefiting from machine learning algorithms.

Photo: Humans working together with robotic artificial intelligence technology

It is also possible to replace machine learning models with simpler technologies, such as rule-based systems or decision trees. Even though these methods are less sophisticated than artificial intelligence, they can still provide valuable insights without requiring much computing power or resource.

Before jumping on board with this technology trend, it is essential to consider other options, even though AI may seem appealing. Whether we rely on human expertise alone, combine forces with IA, or use full AI technology, we must carefully assess each situation and choose what works best for us.

Final Thoughts

As we progress in AI development, it is up to us as a community to ensure we utilize the technology responsibly to maximize its benefits and minimize potential dangers. We must remain aware of possible adverse implications on individuals and society and implement ethical and reasonable regulations. Whether we embrace or reject AI will depend on how well we can manage its development and mitigate any negative consequences. With careful planning and consideration, however, there is no doubt that artificial intelligence could be a potent tool for shaping our future. I will remain open-minded about the concept.

-BrendaMZ

PS: Additional Resources

Artificial Intelligence And Robotics - Fact Or Fiction?

Artificial Intelligence - Let's Get The Basics Down

Artificial Intelligence - The Present & Future and the Role & Scope of AI in Business

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Recent Comments

60

Hi Brenda,

I believe it is indeed a dark period we have already entered with this. I've read to much over the last many years, becoming what I prefer to term a conspiracy factualist, it's documented and no longer a theory.

From many real life Dr. Frankenstein's funded by those in power, I've witnessed time and again a disregard for the common person, who seems to be viewed as little more than test subjects.

I've suspected for many years now that AI has been is wide use on public platforms (many others believing this as well). Given the intrusiveness of those who would manipulate that has been proven, it seems a given to me that they have trained these programs for years on the public.

And now they release watered down versions to us so we can willingly embrace and train them ourselves.

While the cynic in me doesn't totally trust open source tech either, I think ones best option is learning how to operate one of the open source models and training it for oneself. Perhaps if one can afford it running it on a computer that has no internet connection to ensure it can't be compromised with what one is training it in.

Many white collar jobs are about to be devastated as AI takes over many of the white collar jobs which is where a lot of the shrunken middle class in the U.S. reside now.

I think it was about 2 years ago I was reading about AI being able to write coding for programming, it will definitely be able to do accounting and compile reports etc, and you never have to worry about it needing time off for the kids, needing lunch breaks or health care etc.

On a blogging side of it, once one has been fed enough of the information on different topics it can become the authority across a wide spectrum.

It's been my experience which has led to my realism (others call if cynicism) that no matter how many choose to be ethical and police themselves there are always the wolves among us who make no such choice and exploit every available tool to become farmers of their neighbors.

I appreciate posts like this, as so many I see are overjoyed at the immediate benefits and choose not to consider the chains that are coming along with the ride.

As for data protection it doesn't exist. I've been notified of my data being compromised in the last decade by many, most notably the Department of Defense and United Airlines. If they can't keep my data secure, nothing will.

End of rant, thanks again for this post. People need to wake up as I don't see many folks grasping what the rising water around our ankles is bringing.

Regards,

Jason

Hi, Jason

I agree with what you are saying. However, since AI is here to stay and growing more popular by the day, we need to find the most positive ways to co-exist with this tech.

We, as a species, need to decide the kind of life we want for ourselves and our children and appropriately deal with the outliers that would plan to use AI to create chaos and disruption.

No easy answers here.
Frank 🎸

Hi Jason, thanks for sharing your deep philosophical thinking about the subject. I appreciate your thoughts and your subjective perspective on the topic. Thanks for including what you see and experience. Your rant can continue, but you were wise to stop; otherwise, the conversation can continue. I get that with privacy data. That is why Facebook got into hot water with Congress.

Totally agree with you Jason

Hi Frank,

I also agree with this. I think at least for the near future something I believe Diane said will be a fact. Those who understand how to operate these programs will have a temporary advantage on those who are late to the party.

Having said that, if one finds themselves in such a position, I would make sure not to squander it and use it to solidify other positions.

Philosophically speaking, most of the species has little to no part in the decision making that takes place, whether it be societal structures, wars, plastic as opposed to the glass we used to use, etc. In many paths most of us have little choice in what is offered to choose from if the choice is given.

Definitely no easy answers, other than prepare for the worst and come out the other end happy it wasn't as bad as all that, hah hah.

Regards,

Jason

Hi Brenda,

Thank you. Privacy is huge with me. I can remember back when it was everywhere, and now it is almost nowhere. I sometimes consider how the folks from my parents generation that are still alive look at all of these changes.

It's been common as a joke to make fun of how the older generation always thinks their time was better.

But the acceleration in virtually all areas in such a short period of time has no comparison I've found in recorded history. As bewildered as it leaves me I can't help but feel for those of my parents time watching all of this speed by.

A funny anecdote to end this on. :)

I was late getting to the internet, using the AOL 7.0 disk with a slow second hand computer. In no time I was turning to my then young son to show me how to do this or that with it, as he took to it so quickly. As so many of his age group did.

I watch kids who are almost babies now working tablets and it leaves me shaking my head in wonder.

So I've said for years if there is ever a computer issue we need to find a kid to fix it, hah hah.

The reverse of that is when I talk with young adults and mention things from back in the day, they can't conceptualize what for us back then was high tech.

So much change in such a little time.

Thanks so much for humoring me.

Regards,

Jason

:)

Hi, Jason,

I’ve been using OpenAI for my site since the beginning.

AI has made more work for me, not less. I believe that is because I’m using it to achieve a better result, not to make things as easy as possible.

Some people are using AI to publish several articles a day, as if they were outsourcing the work to a team of writers. That’s not something I can endorse.

When AI becomes that good, then the way I do things will change.

The key is to adapt in the best possible way, which usually means I’ll learn more and work harder.

Watch the class that Kyle hosted today, and you’ll see some excellent marketing analysis AI prompts.

It’s a fine example of how to use this tech for our long-term advantage. 😎

Frank 🤘🎸

Hi Frank,

Kyle held the class today? Last night in live chat he was saying he was rescheduling either Sunday or Thursday next week. I wasn't aware they even did daytime classes.

I've been using a tool called NeuroWriter to compile data on the top 30 sites for my keyword, and offer me an outline and word count to target. Naturally the top posts are all huge so my own posts take forever to write at the moment, hah hah.

I don't think we can think in terms of long term advantage when it comes to tech. It's changing to rapidly now.

Back when I was a manager for AT&T computer systems in the late 80's early 90's our top supported hard drive was the Seagate ST225 which held a whopping 20 mb of information.

I find it difficult to schedule time for replays, which is why I try to make the live classes partially. Hopefully if the next one is at a time I can make I wont be behind the eight ball to much on the information I missed.

Regards,

Jason

Hi, Jason

Yeah, tech does change quicker than ever, so I’m always trying to stay ahead of the curve.

My block posts are typically an average of about 2500 words, but I don’t set a target length.

I simply write until I’ve completely answered the question.

Even if I knew I could rank on page one of Google with a smaller word count, it probably wouldn’t impact my approach.

Lol That’s just me. 😎

Frank 🤘🎸

So well put Frank and that i the essence we as humans have to make that decision not governments

Thanks, Catherine! 😎

Hi Frank,

the issue I have isn't necessarily of forcing it. It's feeling that it's complete.

To be blunt, on many topics one could write 20k words (a mini novella) and still have room to cover more.

I also note that if the top 10 blogs on a keyword string is often over 4k words, which is indicative to me that if I wish to displace them I need to not only cover the basics they are, but add to those basics with any holes I might catch.

I spent the first months on my blog writing on keyword strings that no way would I rank for. But they were necessary for the structure I'm building to be there for when I do get visitors.

Now I wish to have some wins to start getting some ranking and traffic, hah hah.

Regards,

Jason

Hi, Jason

I haven't intentionally written any "pillar posts" for my site, although I know it's a useful way to get traffic. I'm sure that, at some point, I'll do that.

I usually go for low-competition keywords centered around things I know guitar players will be very interested in. Then, when I find a topic that doesn't have a lot of good info on page one, I know I've struck gold because I can use my experience to fill in the blanks.

Helpful info isn't necessarily a function of word count, but it can be.

I think that searching with AI-integrated browsers will make people's attention spans even shorter, so we'll probably experience a significant re-formatting in the way bloggers begin to approach their audience.

We'll see what happens.

Enjoy your weekend! 😎
Frank 🎸

Hi Frank,

I agree so much with your take on this, and have viewed for many months now my inclination to write a lot to be an impediment.

Attention spans seem much lower now, and many prefer for example videos that are short as well. I have a hard time finding time for videos, and much prefer reading and long detailed structures as well. I'm a detail person and can often get lost in minute areas of a larger picture so appreciate large pictures. A dying interest for sure.

I've been targeting low competition keywords after building my initial structure, although this post I'm working on now the keyword isn't likely one I'll rank well for out of the gate as there is a competitiveness that is slightly out of the easy to rank for. But I assume I'm inching closer to being able to rank for some of those more so figure I'll write it as it fits what I'm doing and then get pushed in the near future across that line, hah hah.

Have a great weekend yourself.

Regards,

Jason

Hi, Jason

I also appreciate in-depth written explanations as long as they’re helpful.

Getting only a piece of the story can really make it challenging to understand the larger picture.

I was notorious for supplementing assigned college text books with more comprehensive information.

I could never understand why some students preferred those cheater books, which didn’t teach you anything.

Someone eventually saw the demand for that and came out with the “____ For Idiots” series.

Lol I guess I’m the idiot for not thinking of writing them first! 😎

Rock On ! 🤘
Frank 🎸

Ok Frank and Jason - hey guys can we move on and stop discussing this topic. Although I love both of your engagement here about AI. Lets move forward. Rock on Frank-🎸🥁🎹🎵🎧 louder and louder!

No problem, Brenda. 👍😎🥁🎸

I think many of the negative things about AI are already here, but an surely get worse. I am not at all sure that a "take over" situation is possible. But we have already seen things that have affected our banking system and impacted politics. We do need to monitor and regulate.
Jim

Hi Jim, just do things responsibly. That is what I am doing.

Who defines responsibility?

Catherine, the answer to that question will vary individually. If someone drinks alcohol. That person is responsible for not driving while drunk because there will be dire consequences if they choose to do that. Drinking responsibly is what we see in alcohol advertising. It's breaking the law. This same rule applies to all of us responsible for using AI. People can use it in a good way or in a wrong (evil way). Doing it in the wrong way, the individual suffers the consequences. People should use their discretion when it comes to using AI responsibly. That means do not copy and paste or dispel misinformation or misuse it with evil intentions. That is my description of being responsible. Other people can view it differently if they want. It's up to us to exercise caution. If AI tells you to kill someone, will you do it? I don't think so. Besides, it's against the law. It's murder. You do time for the crime.

I don't look at things in such a black and white fashion. My world is primarily grey. I certainly dont want any government telling me where and when to be responsible

Yeah, thats your prerogative.

Always interesting how other people see the world

I know I am black and white. I don't see any gray. I dont even have any gray hair yet. I am almost 60 at the end of this year.

I was taught to obey laws, pay taxes, and obey governing authorities. That is the way I was raised.

I know you live in Mexico, where they are anti-government. You've been traveling and living in many different countries. You had lived in much UK where you are from. Their government is socialist strong in the parliament, and obeys the royal monarchy.

Meanwhile, I am in a capitalist country of the USA. The free enterprise. The trickle-down economic system. I get that your experiences are so vast compared to mine. I never traveled out of the country except to Canada and to Baja California, which isn't Mexico, I visited Tijuana near the border of San Diego, California. I have never been to the UK or any place outside of the two countries US and Canada. My experience is minimal and black and white. I respect your grayness! I truly do!

I wish I had no grey hair mine is white and although I am nearly 70, the process started when I was 17. I respect your black and white, also. Life I imagine is a whole lot easier if you look at the world black and white. My brother does, he is an accountant, nuff said .

Alright then, have a great weekend. I will work on a few things, then take a break and watch a movie tonight.

Good question - I guess for the most part society.

Hi, Brenda

Great article! 👍

Thanks for referencing my WA post. Did you read the pdf file it linked to?

It’s possible that AI will continue to evolve faster than lawmakers can create legislation to regulate it.

I like Forbidden Planet. Have you seen the movie “I Robot?”

Rock On! 🤘🥁
Frank 🎸

Hi Frank, I did see it's the movies you mentioned. I read part of the article pdf at the end of your blog post about it. I did skimp over the paper and haven't read it thoroughly. The article talks more about metaverse and 3d modeling interference to AI and some barriers in dealing with that. BTW, meta verse does not interest me. It does not apply to me. I know what you believe in. I understand your opinions about it. I can respect them. People will have a difference opinion. Even lawmakers will fight for or against it. Whatever the case may be, usage of AI requires being responsible and making sure to do your due diligence. I understand your viewpoints. I will leave it at that.

Hi, Brenda

Although I do have a keen conceptual interest in the metaverse, my primary intention is to continue having fun with my family and friends the old fashion way. 😎

Have a Great Long Weekend!
Frank 🎸

Same here! Enjoy your weekend.

Great idea Frank, Frank have a wonderful long weekend

You too, Catherine! 😎

I wish the business communities and politicians were as thought ful about this topic as you are!

They already are. That is why the CEO of Open AI was facing USA Congress recently.

You can see Kyle's Post about that.

Yes I knew about that. We'll see how it goes!

I think AI will be a great help but it should have limitations as to what it can do.
There was an article on the web about 5 robots/AI that were created for the army that went rogue. Supposedly these 5 robots killed 29 Japanese technicians before being forcibly turned off. The last one had connected to a satellite and was downloading info how to rebuild itself stronger as it was being disassembled. This was reported by a credible agency in Asia. I think there is a lot happening we are not told about. Let’s hope wise heads prevail.
Stephen

Hi Stephen, I had not heard about that. I am not sure there is truth in that. Even if it sounds credible, it could be a fake story, or it really happened, and they covered it up. A lot of cover-ups in the 'Nam story (where you live now). It was a different time back in 68-71 when my late hubby, Stephen was there. I agree let's hope for the best.

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