Artificial Intelligence: The Bright Side and the Dark

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the most talked-about topics today. In this article, we’ll explore some use cases of AI and also delve into its darker aspects. From its applications in education, medicine, and animation to the concerns about power consumption and artisanal mining, AI’s impact is vast and multifaceted.

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AI in Education

AI can significantly contribute to education, especially in a country like India. A recent report suggested that 52% of India’s youth is employable, leaving 48% without the right skill sets to match job demands. This is a staggering number, particularly when considering that 65% of India’s population is below the age of 35. AI could transform educational institutions into research centers and make mass education cost-effective and sustainable. This would help reach remote villages where students either travel long distances to attend school or skip it due to distance or cost.

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Skilling and Job Generation

The Indian government has recognized the issue of skilling and job generation. The Finance Minister allocated ?2 lakh crore over five years for innovative schemes like the Employment Linked Incentive plan. This aims to formalize the informal sector and encourage industries to hire more people, especially in manufacturing.

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AI in Healthcare

AI could revolutionize healthcare by providing remote access to medical services at a reasonable cost. For example, a CT scan currently costs between

?2000 to ?3000. If AI could reduce this cost to ?500, advanced medical facilities could become accessible in Indian villages.

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AI in Animation

Disney Pixar has been using AI for about five years, pioneering technologies like Volumetric Animation. Movies like “Elemental,” “Soul,” and “Inside Out 2” have utilized this technology. However, it comes with a downside: it uses 75% more computing power.

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The Dark Side of AI

Despite its benefits, AI has a dark side. For instance, ChatGPT consumes 10 times more electricity than a Google search. Data centers, which are at the heart of AI, consume massive amounts of electricity. According to a Goldman Sachs report, AI currently consumes 1-2% of global electricity, projected to rise to 4% by the end of the decade. This raises concerns about power sources and the environmental impact.

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Environmental Impact

Data centers also release significant amounts of carbon dioxide, with a social cost estimated at $125-140 billion. This is also one of the reasons why global powerhouses are striving to become carbon neutral.

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Rare Earth Metal Mining

Rare earth metal mining an extremely sensitive topic. Mobiles, laptop, etc. are all a part of the cloud computing web. The data centers at the backend supply sophisticated technologies. But there is one small problem. Rare earth metals which are used extensively in these data centers or even in our cell phones or laptops. Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) is quite famous in many parts of the world which is well a problem that is known. Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) is a type of mining where individuals or small groups use basic tools and low-tech equipment to extract minerals from the earth. It's a largely informal economic sector that takes place in nearly every country in the world. There are a lot of challenges associated with these like safety, health, poverty, etc. which we have to factor in as the cost of AI.

Conclusion

AI has enormous potential, but it must come at a reasonable cost. Responsible AI, which balances benefits and drawbacks, is essential. Regulators will need to step in to oversee the industry and its supply chains. In summary, while AI offers tremendous benefits, it also presents significant challenges that must be addressed responsibly.