AI: an ongoing revolution between hopes and fears

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AI: an ongoing revolution between hopes and fears

Artificial intelligence is no longer science fiction, but a reality that is shaping our present and, above all, our future. 

Its applications are manifold and touch every aspect of our lives, from communication to work, from medicine to art. But like every revolution, the AI revolution also brings with it lights and shadows. Enthusiasm and fear mix in the face of such a powerful technology, capable of changing the world as we know it.


The limits of AI: beyond the hype, the reality

Despite promises of a bright future, it is important to maintain a realistic approach and recognize the current limitations of AI. AI, especially that based on machine learning, is heavily dependent on the data it is "fed" with. If the data is incomplete, inaccurate, or worse, distorted, the results will inevitably be affected. Imagine an AI trained to evaluate job candidates: if the data it relies on reflects gender or racial biases, the AI will replicate these biases, perpetuating discrimination.
Another limitation of AI lies in its difficulty in understanding the context and deep meaning of words. Think of a conversation with a chatbot: the responses may seem fluid and coherent, but often lack the understanding of the "unsaid" that characterizes human interactions. This lack can lead to misunderstandings and inappropriate responses, especially when dealing with complex or sensitive topics.

Doubts and Fears: AI as a double-edged sword
AI is like a powerful tool: it can be used to build or destroy. Its ability to generate false content, such as deepfakes, manipulated images and videos that appear real, raises serious concerns about the spread of misinformation and the manipulation of public opinion.
AI's influence on social networks is another topic that sparks debate. On the one hand, AI can make social networks more efficient and personalized; on the other hand, there is concern that platforms will become dominated by opaque algorithms, reducing the authenticity of interactions and limiting freedom of expression.
A widespread concern regards the impact of AI on the job market. Automating tasks currently performed by humans could lead to job losses in various sectors, with difficult-to-predict social and economic consequences. It is essential that governments and companies commit to managing this transition fairly and responsibly, investing in training and reskilling workers.

Do you know?

  • The adoption of AI is growing rapidly worldwide. India is a global leader in AI usage by knowledge workers, with an adoption rate of 92%.

  • The art world is not immune to the allure of AI. An artwork generated by an AI system was sold at auction for 432,000 euros.

  • Major tech companies, such as Google and Microsoft, are investing heavily in nuclear energy, driven by their growing energy consumption. AI could play a key role in developing safer, more efficient, and sustainable nuclear reactors.

The potential of AI: a world of opportunities

Despite its limitations and doubts, the potential of AI is immense. AI can help us solve some of the most pressing problems of our time, from climate change to fighting diseases.
In healthcare, AI can be used to diagnose diseases early and accurately, personalize treatments, and develop new drugs. AI-based virtual assistants can provide support to patients and doctors, improving the efficiency of the healthcare system.
AI can revolutionize the way we work, making it more efficient and productive78. Tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot can automate repetitive tasks, freeing up time for more creative and strategic activities. AI can also help us analyze large amounts of data, providing valuable insights for making more informed decisions.

Artificial intelligence is a powerful and complex technology with enormous potential to improve our lives. It is essential to address the limitations and doubts it raises openly and transparently, promoting responsible and ethical use of AI. Only in this way can we fully harness the benefits of AI, creating a fairer, more sustainable, and prosperous future for all.

 

AgicPeople

Francesco Costantino

Francesco Costantino is a professor in the Department of Computer, Automatic, and Management Engineering at the University of Rome “Sapienza” and teaches Management Engineering about what a factory is and how to manage it. He decided to dedicate himself to AGIC, where he is now a partner and CinO (Chief of Innovation Officer), to avoid boredom and because he discovered valuable, interesting, competent, very fair, and considerate people there. In 2010, he founded aiComply, a spin-off of Sapienza. Passionate about technological innovation, he has a personal rule to learn something new every day. For the past year, he has been writing our “AI newsletter” dedicated to artificial intelligence, studying its evolution and applications, while also implementing challenging research and development projects. He's a great guy because he listens, plays basketball, and is a feminist. He's tall, so don't be surprised if you've only seen him on video calls and then meet him in person. “How It's Made” and “Mega Factories” are his favorite shows.