It is easy to be a proponent of new computing research and technologies because anything that is new and shiny is exciting to most people. However, many people, to the delight of tech corporations, choose to ignore the dangers of this rapid technology growth. New computing technologies have the potential to jeopardize as much as human existence. When it comes to the overall well-being of humanity, specifically regarding information security and the role humans play in society, the advancement of computing in the realms of AI, machine learning, and big data should be brought to a halt.
It is critical to maintain human involvement when creating machines, which many scientists are failing to do so. In David Mindell’s article “Between Human and Machine: Feedback, Control, and Computing before Cybernetics” humans and machines are seen as an interconnecting unit. Mindell’s examples include Charles Lindbergh referring to himself and his plane as “we” after flying across the Atlantic Ocean. Unfortunately, problems arise when humans lose control of the machines. For example, Will Knight explains in “The Dark Secret at the Heart of AI” that a self-driving car’s system “is so complicated that even the engineers who designed it may struggle to isolate the reason for any single action.” Systems operate almost mysteriously as their complexity increases. The relationship between humans and machines shifts away from humans managing and working with machines and towards an alarming uncontrollable situation. The unit fractures without the human component. In some cases, human intervention may be somewhat removed, however, it must exist. It becomes concerning when machines work independently rather than with and under humans. Peter Holley shares concerns surrounding artificial intelligence in his article “Bill Gates on Dangers of Artificial Intelligence.” Bill Gates believes that artificial intelligence could become “strong enough to be a concern” within a few decades. Similarly, Elon Musk’s thinks that “our biggest existential threat is” artificial intelligence. Scientists working towards creating helpful autonomous machines must understand their work and remain in charge.
Scientists must understand what their data is being used for and how it can affect everyone else. The relationship between big data and the community it analyzes poses significant problems for the future. Not only does big data allow a population to be easily targeted and manipulated, but it also encroaches upon the realms of information security. To better understand this notion, we can examine the article “Engineering the public: Big data, surveillance, and computational politics” by Zeynep Tufecki. Within this article, Tufecki states “the model of control sought by these systems is not one of pure fear… but rather an infrastructure of surveillance … along with direct overtures toward obtaining assent and legitimacy through tailored, fine–tuned messaging” (Tufecki). This concept is truly frightening, as an individual’s privacy is meddled with to target and influence them in certain ways, in this case, with a political campaign. This data is not only used for political gains, as advertisers also use big data to appeal to a mass audience. Over time, an advertiser can choose who they advertise certain data to, depending on who the individual is or how receptive they would be to a certain message. Even more terrifying is the fact that most humans are unable to access these stores of data, as they are withheld by numerous companies. While there are certainly benefits to big data, when looking towards the future, the biggest mistake humans can make is to overlook the defects in the system. This could result in a potential future in which various companies exploit their customers by infringing upon their inherent freedoms of privacy.
Technology now is so advanced that as we progress we truly seem to be at the start of a dangerous situation. Whether it is unknown progress creating unknown consequences, or consumers being brainwashed by the advertisements people with access to individuals data, this futuristic technology is dangerous and too advanced for humanity, at least at this point in time.
Articles:
Engineering the public: Big data, surveillance, and computational politics Zeynep Tufekci
Between Human and Machine by Mindell
Bill Gates on Dangers of Artificial Intelligence by Peter Holley
The Dark Secrete to the heart of AI by Will Knight