Is AI a Threat or an Opportunity?
APNews recently released a piece about the Bulletin of Atomic Scientist's 'Doomsday Clock' that now strikes just 90 seconds to midnight (Doomsday). Undoubtedly, the world is dealing with its fair share of crises, and one of them is Generative AI, but is that true? Let's look into it.
Modern AI has become such a prevalent feature in our lives that businesses, educational institutions, and the average person have practically adopted it into our "tools-to-function." A simple example is Apple's Siri. With more than a billion iPhone users, Apple's Siri is one of the most used and utilised forms of AI that exists today. Not only that, but banking, search browsers, and even the simple task of sending an email have some sort of AI being used to smooth the user experience while also keeping your data safe.
So, why do people perceive it as a tool that will aid in our very own destruction?
It's new, and AI is just another step in human evolution through technology. Just like the first tools—irrigation, the telephone, the steam engine, and the whole of the industrial revolution—AI is another step into a greater human existence and one that should be embraced wholeheartedly.
Undoubtedly, social media and entertainment media have had an effect on the public's outlook on AI since the 1980s, even though AI has been around since the 1950s. Movies like Terminator and 2001: A Space Odyssey have painted a bleak future of what AI could look like. Though the truth of the matter is much brighter than what those two movies make it out to be.
As AI is still in its juvenile stage, where industries are starting to embrace it more and more, and engineers are understanding its capabilities, AI has been prone to the odd malfunction, and it is to be expected as AI programmes are progressively learning.
Is there a need for AI in professional industries?
This is one of the two most frequently asked questions when it comes to the use of AI. Is there really a need for it? Do we really need AI in industries like media, law, and engineering? These are very important questions, and one that I will tackle next!
Is There a Need for AI Tech Lawyers?
AI in law? What place does AI have in the legal industry? You'd be surprised.
The reluctance of the legal sector to embrace technological advancements has been notable, but artificial intelligence is gradually starting to impact law practices. Implementing AI within law firms can greatly enhance efficiency and reduce costs, streamlining tasks like legal research and analysis, managing documents, and handling billing processes. It's clear that technology has transformed the legal field, as legal tech tools have simplified the way lawyers operate, enhancing their efficiency and effectiveness. AI is certainly part of this technological evolution.
The most basic and widespread application of AI in the legal field is electronic discovery (e-discovery), which involves searching through electronic data to find non-privileged information pertinent to a case or claim.
E-discovery tools enable attorneys to sift through documents by applying search terms or particular criteria like dates or geographic areas. Consequently, lawyers receive responses much quicker than they would by reviewing physical documents. This accelerated process gives attorneys additional time to uncover more pertinent information.
The process of allowing AI to sift through thousands of cases, statutes, and case decisions, as well as automate legal procedures for pre-court hearings, is exceptionally useful. While saving hundreds of man hours, a tool like AI will give lawyers a lot more time to conduct a more comprehensive analysis of assigned cases and, overall, just improve access to justice with lower costs.
Is There a Need for AI Engineers?
Probably one of the most important industries that will be affected in a more positive way than most is engineering. While all other industries will implement AI as a helper and a tool to supplement workload, the engineering industry will have a whole new expansion to their market. New jobs, new technological development needs, and higher-paying jobs while still remaining a small sector within the engineering field.
Engineers are one of the few skilled workers that will actually progress the development and capabilities of AI. Engineers and programmers will be spearheading its evolution, and every other industry that exists outside of it will look to AI engineers for solutions, upgrades, and/or implementation of AI in their organisation.
The best part for engineers is that their AI creations will also aid them directly. As the chief innovators in this new technology, engineers are crucial to ensuring that AI is used ethically and is a net benefit for society as a whole.
How about you? Why should you know about AI and its uses?
It is evident that AI is just our version of that; ever since the creation of the personal computer, we've been in our own Industrial Revolution, and the constantly growing implementation of AI is just the next phase of it.
It extends across various aspects of life, from personal to professional realms. So, the conversation about not getting left behind in your understanding of technology is incredibly prevalent now. Becoming more AI-savvy also exposes you to the sheer arsenal of free tools that AI engineers and programmers have given to the public.
Undoubtedly, these AI tools have significantly simplified numerous aspects of daily life for many people. Whether it's employing AI for crafting professional resumes, aiding in software development, generating marketing materials, or efficiently locating information, the accessibility and convenience offered by AI are remarkable. The widespread influence of AI has made proficiency in understanding and utilising it a key component of achieving success in various fields.
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