Navigating the pros and cons of Artificial Intelligence in todays world

In the words of renowned scientist Stephen Hawking, 'The development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race.' There's no denying that artificial intelligence has revolutionized industries, improved efficiency, and brought about incredible innovations. However, as we celebrate these achievements, it's crucial to confront the potential downsides that come with this technological leap. As a teenager in this era of mass development, I can see the downsides. In my day-to-day life, I see people all around me use AI for simple tasks, such as sending an email to a co-worker, or to a teacher.

While some argue that AI is making us smarter, it's essential to critically examine the potential drawbacks of excessive reliance on artificial intelligence. Rather than inherently making us smarter, AI will contribute to a decline in certain cognitive abilities and skills. The danger lies in our tendency to overly depend on AI for tasks that traditionally required human intelligence. Relying on AI for decision-making, problem-solving, and even basic information recall may diminish our natural human abilities over time. Humans are known to be the most advanced species ever, but what if our advancements drag us down? As my mom says, whatever goes up, must come down. AI systems are trained on unsupervised data. If that data carries biases, it can perpetuate and amplify those biases. Depending solely on AI for information may limit exposure to diverse perspectives, hindering the development of a well-rounded understanding of the world. This leads us to human interaction. Instead of only finding sources online, it is important that we speak to real people, with real experiences.

If we continue to rely on AI for tasks that traditionally engage our brain’s natural functions, we risk a parallel to the evolutionary concept seen in T-rex's front legs – the principle of "use it or lose it." Much like the T-rex's diminishing front limbs due to reduced usage, our brain’s Frontal Cortex, the decision and logical thinking sector of our brain, and the Hippocampus, the learning and memory retention sector of our brain, will face a similar fate of atrophy if we neglect the act of regularly exercising our brains. AI will harm human development.

Here's a few ways we can make sure that we exercise our brain enough, to protect future generations.

The first thing you can do is, take 30 minutes out of your busy lifestyle everyday, to pick up a book before bed. Doesn't matter if it’s fantasy, fiction, or thriller. The second thing to do is engage in physical activity. Running can release a hormone called endorphins. Having a high level of endorphins can reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety. The third activity is to try journaling. NY times says journaling increases mindfulness, making you more likely to try new things. Journaling also increases your memory and communication skills.

At these technological crossroads, let's reflect on how artificial intelligence shapes our lives. Picture a future where our unique qualities face challenges—a notable concern. Let's navigate a path where our warmth coexists with technology, ensuring our minds remain distinct. Thank You.