On May 21–22, 2024, the Republic of Korea and the United Kingdom co-hosted the second AI summit. The AI Seoul Summit, as it was billed, gathered leaders from government, industry, and civil society to discuss the benefits and risks of AI.
In terms of benefits, increased productivity is a good starter, as it can automate repetitive tasks, freeing up human workers for more complex and creative work.
AI is ever-available as its systems can operate continuously, without fatigue. Vast amounts of data can be quickly and accurately analysed, providing insights that humans might miss. AI can also predict trends and outcomes based on historical data.
Intelligent systems can also be strongly linked to healthcare improvements and can assist in diagnosing diseases, leading to early detection and better patient outcomes. They can also tailor treatments to individual patients based on their genetic information and medical history.
Economic growth is a concept much referenced in the arena of politics. AI can create new products and services, leading to the growth of new industries. It can reduce operational costs through optimisation and automation.
AI can improve quality of life by enhancing living environments through efficient urban planning, as well as helping people with disabilities by means of its assistive technologies.
Scientific and technological advances now go hand-in-hand with AI. The latter can accelerate research in various fields by analysing large datasets and simulating complex systems. It can inspire new technologies and methods in fields ranging from space exploration to material science.
The advantages of AI continue to generate interest and excitement in wide-ranging aspects of 21st-century life. It would, however, be imprudent not to consider the risks and dangers. Job displacement is worthy of comment, as automation of jobs can lead to significant job losses, particularly in industries reliant on repetitive tasks.
An unintended consequence of AI is that over-reliance on it can lead to a loss of essential skills and knowledge among humans. Highly autonomous AI systems might also make decisions without human oversight, leading to potential further unintended consequences.
Ethical concerns also exist. AI systems can perpetuate and even amplify existing biases if trained on biased data. AI technologies often require large amounts of data, raising concerns about data privacy and surveillance.
Security threats are also present, and AI can be used to enhance cyberattacks, making them more sophisticated and harder to defend against. AI can also be used in autonomous weapons, posing ethical and security risks.
Unforeseen effects of AI systems could have catastrophic impacts on society and the environment. The development of a superintelligent AI could pose a threat to human existence if its goals are not aligned with human values.
By understanding these benefits and risks, society can better prepare for, and manage, the integration of AI technologies. This is to ensure that the positive impacts are maximised while mitigating potential dangers. The responsible use of AI is paramount!