The Double-Edged Sword of Artificial Intelligence
The Double-Edged Sword of Artificial Intelligence
The controversy of artificial intelligence, the question of whether it is harmful or beneficial to society, is undoubtedly a relevant and essential discussion. The practicality of this discussion is questionable, given that artificial intelligence is already rampant in today’s world. While some are adapting and cherishing the drastic transformations that have ensued from AI, some are criticizing and challenging the neutrality and viability of AI.
Many fear that AI will wreak havoc on humanity, eventually posing an existential risk. Even Dr. Geoffrey Hinton, known as the pioneer of artificial intelligence, claimed in his interview, “With climate change, it’s very easy to recommend what you should do: you just stop burning carbon. If you do that, eventually things will be okay. For this, it’s not at all clear what you should do.”
Others have criticized AI’s lack of neutrality, contrary to popular belief. ChatGPT, a language model-based chatbot developed by OpenAI, was exposed for its bias and discriminatory behavior in various research. In a 2023 research study conducted by David Rozado, ChatGPT appeared to present a majority of left-wing political viewpoints. Moreover, ChatGPT displayed discriminatory behaviors when asked to write about different political figures like Joe Biden and Donald Trump, alluding to favoritism.
In multiple studies, including the recent study led by NewsGuard, disinformation researchers have exposed AI’s flaws in accuracy. From fabricated quotes to phony reference sources, ChatGPT has invented its own truth on numerous occasions. Although the platform does warn its users about the possibility of misinformation, many are disturbed by OpenAI for not doing enough. The critics agree that regulation of AI is critical as more students are depending on AI to base their thinking and buttress their educational journey. Lack of verification and transparency can lead to a generation of confused and misinformed people, drained of the truth.
The list of AI perils appears to be ceaseless. Job loss, cheating, hacking, autonomous weapons, and financial crisis are all dangerously probable in the near future. As dependence on A.I. becomes quite inevitable, catastrophes caused by A.I. may no longer be science fiction. A.I. is a double-edged sword; it can work in society’s favor or work against it. To alleviate the symptoms of A.I., efficacy, accuracy, ethics, and morals must be discussed transparently through a constructive conversation.
Reading Test
1.What does the word “rampant” mean in paragraph 1?
A. Influential
B. Arousing disgust
C. Accepted and credited
D. Flourishing or spreading widely
2. What best represents Dr. Hinton’s position as he quoted in his interview?
A. Many scientists and experts are not on the same page when it comes to AI improvements and solutions
B. He deprioritizes climate change because the solution to the problem is already determined
C. AI is a more alarming issue than climate change because of the unknowns
D. Climate change is easy to fix, while AI is difficult to fix
3. In the article, the words “discriminatory” and “disinformation” are used. What does the prefix “dis-” mean?
A. Prohibit
B. About
C. Reject
D. Reverse
4. What does the phrase “left-wing political viewpoints” (P3) best mean?
A. A section of a political party that advocates for greater social and economic equality, typically favoring liberal ideas
B. A section of a political party that advocates for free enterprise and private ownership, typically favoring traditional ideas
C. The left side of the forelimb used for flight
D. A group within a political party that extends to the left, meaning it is radically different from the majority
5. What does the word “alluding” mean in the third paragraph?
A. Providing evidence
B. Indirectly implying
C. Encouraging
D. Collaboratively discuss
6. What best describes the word “phony” in the fourth paragraph?
A. Forged
B. Fraudulent
C. Communicated
D. Frank
7. What is the tone of the author in this sentence: “Lack of verification and transparency can lead to a generation of confused and misinformed people, drained of the truth”?
A. Admonishing
B. Heartening
C. Condescending
D. Censorious
8. In the last paragraph, what does the word “perils” mean?
A. Benefits
B. Crimes
C. Dangers
D. Results
9. What kind of figurative language is the following phrase: “A.I. is a double-edged sword”?
A. Idiom
B. Symbolism
C. Simile
D. Analogy
10. In the final paragraph, why does the author use the word “symptoms” to talk about A.I.?
A. To indicate A.I. as a plague to society
B. To emphasize that A.I. is rapidly contaminating society
C. To give human qualities to A.I.
D. To express the undesirable situations and outcomes of A.I.