The Age of Artificial Intelligence: The Greater Equaliser or Divider?
Artificial Intelligence is evolving at an unfathomable rate. Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT and DALL-E have democratised access to knowledge worldwide, while industries such as education and healthcare increasingly adopt AI-driven systems. Despite these advancements, there are numerous concerns surrounding the usage of artificial Intelligence. Some believe that unequal access to these tools, particularly in developing countries with limited digital infrastructure, will further widen socio-economic disparities. Others believe poorly trained algorithms can reinforce existing biases, disproportionately excluding marginalised groups. In either case, the unprecedented impacts of artificial Intelligence, whether good or bad, deserve discussion.
Firstly, artificial Intelligence can provide low-cost solutions for education, healthcare, and business innovation. AI utilises an extensive database, allowing users to gather information across the web in the blink of an eye. This helps streamline the information-gathering process and empowers marginalised individuals with relevant information in any circumstance.
Additionally, AI acts as a form of economic empowerment. For freelancers and smaller enterprises, AI offers a simple, cost-effective way to maximise workflow efficiency. For example, restaurant table management systems can integrate AI tools to identify trends in customer spending habits. This would help companies grow more quickly by leveraging AI systems as a catalyst for progress.
Lastly, artificial Intelligence’s versatile applications can help to increase the quality of life for marginalised communities. For instance, real-time AI transcription systems such as Otter.ai help individuals with hearing or visual impairments communicate and interact more easily with others in the community. Thus, this would improve their access to education, employment, and other public services.
However, there are also concerns surrounding the growing reliance on artificial Intelligence in the status quo.
The advent of AI can significantly widen the digital divide. High-speed internet, digital infrastructure, and digital literacy are all prerequisites to leveraging AI. However, many rural and low-income communities lack these resources, thus limiting their ability to use AI-powered tools.
Moreover, AI systems trained based on biased datasets can perpetuate stereotypes and discrimination against marginalised groups. For instance, hiring algorithms have been guilty of favoring male candidates over female candidates, reflective of the same historical, prejudiced trend. Thus, AI may embed biases in its algorithms, leading to unfair discrimination perpetuated by automated systems.
In addition, automation powered by AI can disproportionately affect low-skilled jobs, such as cleaning, cashiering, or construction work. Given that AI systems can complete automated tasks with no breaks, no pay, and no mistakes, companies have the incentive to lay off menial labourers and replace them with more efficient automated systems. However, this also leaves disadvantaged groups vulnerable and constantly on edge due to the risk of unemployment.
All in all, AI holds the potential to be a transformative equaliser. However, its current trajectory risks exacerbating existing divides in the status quo. By understanding and addressing access disparities, algorithmic biases, and systemic inequalities, society will be able to use AI as a positive tool for equity rather than exclusion.
