Impact of AI Tools on Society

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force, shaping various facets of human existence. On November 30, the global community marked the first anniversary of AI’s prominence, celebrating the strides made in the realm of Artificial Intelligence tools. From the ubiquitous presence of AI-powered applications like ChatGPT to the profound impact on industries and societies worldwide, the emergence of AI tools has been nothing short of revolutionary.?

This meteoric rise of AI tools has sparked widespread discussions and debates, igniting conversations about the implications for employment, societal norms, and individual well-being. As AI permeates every aspect of our lives, from mundane routines to groundbreaking scientific endeavors like the Chandrayaan-3 mission, its influence has become palpable. India, positioned as the world’s second-largest user of AI tools, stands as a testament to the global significance of this technological shift. The rapid advancement of technology in recent years has been remarkable, arguably surpassing the progress of the entire previous century. However, some argue that this progress has plateaued due to an oversaturation of digital tools and the internet. They point to historical examples like the telephone taking 75 years to reach a million users, compared to the meteoric rise of mobile phones (10 years), Netflix (3.5 years), and social media giants like Facebook and Instagram (few months).?

However, it’s important to note that seemingly instantaneous adoption doesn’t necessarily equate to a lack of progress. Each generation builds upon the advancements of the previous, leading to a cumulative effect.?

The year also witnessed the contentious legal case of ChatGPT versus the Authors Guild, spearheaded by renowned author John Grisham. Grisham argued that OpenAI, the developers of ChatGPT, were attempting to establish a foothold in the lucrative field of story-script writing through the technology. This sparked concerns within the American Author Association, which questioned the potential financial impact on human writers if AI like “ChatGPT” were to take over this domain. Meanwhile, the art world saw a groundbreaking moment with the sale of an AI-generated painting, “Edmond de Balmy,” for a staggering $432,000 at Christie’s Auction House in New York. This feat was further echoed by the second-place win in a photo contest, where an AI-generated image secured the coveted position. In India, a Delhi court set a precedent by prohibiting the unauthorized use of actor Anil Kapoor’s voice, likeness, and facial expressions, including emojis.?

The stark contrast between past and present shopping experiences is undeniable. While traditional methods involved a more physical and time-consuming approach, the advent of e-commerce mobile applications has revolutionized consumer behavior. With an average Indian spending over 7 hours and 42 minutes daily on their mobile devices, these platforms glean a vast amount of user data, painting a detailed picture of individual preferences and habits. This intricate information allows e-commerce apps to employ sophisticated algorithms to personalize user experiences. For instance, if you purchase a flight ticket from Pune to Bangalore through such an app, your browsing history might reveal frequent work trips to Bangalore. The app, leveraging this data and considering factors like your estimated body size and local weather patterns, might then suggest suitable and affordable formal shirts from popular brands, catering specifically to your needs?

Moreover, the integration of AI into e-commerce platforms and legal proceedings raises pertinent questions about data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the ethical implications of AI-driven decision making. As individuals increasingly rely on mobile devices for various tasks, AI algorithms gain unprecedented insights into behavior and preferences, raising concerns about surveillance and manipulation.?

Despite these challenges, AI holds immense potential to revolutionize various sectors, from commerce to law. The Supreme Court of India’s initiative to leverage AI in legal proceedings through the ‘SUPACE’ portal demonstrates the transformative power of AI in enhancing efficiency and accessibility in the justice system.?

Several universities have witnessed the development of tools capable of generating research papers, essays, and even conducting preliminary research for these works. A renowned engineering professor claims that AI tools facilitated the completion of a project in one week, which would have otherwise taken two PhD students and seven interns six months to accomplish. This efficiency has led to significant changes in various workplaces.?

One company reportedly reduced its workforce by 90% after implementing an “income chatbot” that could handle tasks at a fraction of the human cost. This exemplifies the potential of AI to automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks across various sectors.?

Here are some specific examples of AI integration in various fields :?

1. Marketing and Design: AI tools assisted in creating logos, websites, and presentations within minutes, as demonstrated during a workshop at an MBA college. Students also highlighted the value of self-study and practice alongside using these tools.?

2. Creative Industries: Platforms like Midjourney and Ideogram empower users to design graphics and visual content, contributing to the creation of publications and marketing materials.?

3. Architecture and Interior Design: AI tools are facilitating the creation of 3D models and providing design assistance in these fields.?

4. Data Analysis and Visualization: Tools exist to analyze data and present it in clear and insightful formats.

5. Marketing and Advertising: AI personalized advertisements based on user data, such as preferences and demographics.?

6. Legal Services: AI tools are being used to generate legal documents like contracts and draft responses.?

7. Project Management: AI streamlines project management by automating repetitive tasks.?

8. Content Creation: A plethora of AI tools and online resources are available to create content ranging from blog posts and podcasts to music and videos.?

The integration of AI tools in various sectors presents both opportunities and challenges. While it promises increased efficiency and productivity, concerns regarding job displacement and the potential misuse of technology remain crucial considerations.?

Attempts were made to streamline the job selection process using this AI tool, but I identified concerning biases in its decision making. This situation exemplifies the inherent limitations of AI. Similar to the human digestive system, which can only process accurate information for optimal function, AI algorithms require complete and reliable data to generate unbiased outcomes. In the context of HR, for instance, relying solely on AI could lead to discriminatory practices, such as favoring women over men based on potentially flawed data sets. Additionally, the lack of human oversight in AI-driven decisions raises ethical concerns regarding accountability, especially in scenarios like self-driving car accidents.?

Furthermore, the growing reliance on technology, while offering undeniable benefits such as increased efficiency, presents a potential threat to our core human values. The overdependence on AI could lead to decreased creativity, empathy, and compassion, fostering a sense of isolation and loneliness. The fear of job displacement due to automation, coupled with the uncertainty of the future, is likely to exacerbate mental health issues. This highlights the need to address the potential societal consequences of technological advancement proactively.?

While the possibility of a “universal basic income” to support the unemployed in a technology-driven future is being discussed, the concept of robots paying taxes instead of humans remains speculative. Nevertheless, the emergence of collaborative robots (cobots) presents a promising solution, enabling humans and machines to work together, complementing each other’s strengths. As history has shown, with the rise of new technologies like trains, adaptation has always been necessary. Similarly, we must continuously update our skill sets and adapt to the evolving technological landscape.?

Despite the challenges, India demonstrates remarkable adaptability, having embraced digital and mobile technologies at a rapid pace. The widespread adoption of platforms like WhatsApp and Google Pay has demonstrably transformed behavior, communication, and daily routines. This rapid integration positions India as a potential future leader in the AI landscape, but it is crucial to acknowledge and address the potential pitfalls alongside the opportunities.?

By fostering responsible development and prioritizing human centric values, we can ensure that AI serves as a tool for progress, not a detriment to our society.