An Optimistic AI Post
- mikemcdonald88
- Oct 18, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 21
Introduction
Most of the media’s reporting on AI revolves around the doom and gloom coming our way as jobs are replaced by AI. I think most people who currently work with, or study AI are aware of the incredible opportunities this technology is unlocking, however, those stories find it much harder to see past the dystopian narrative.
Hollywood has been telling the story of an evil AI quite successfully since the mid-20th century. Films like '2001: A Space Odyssey' (1968) introducing HAL 9000, a sentient computer that turns wicked. Movies that were slightly more my generation such as 'The Terminator' (1984), it’s later sequels and 'I Robot' (2004) continue this narrative. By vilifying AI, Hollywood has mirrored societal fears of technological progress outpacing human moral and ethical boundaries.
This is quite clearly the next evolution of what the western world has seen before with the disruption of ‘blue collar jobs’ in the industrial revolution with mechanisation throughout the 20th century. Just as machines took over manual, repetitive tasks in factories and warehouses, AI is now automating cognitive tasks traditionally performed by 'white collar professionals’ such as data analysis, financial forecasting and even legal work.
However, while it’s easy to get caught up in the pessimism surrounding AI, I think we’re missing the bigger picture here. AI isn’t just about job losses or rogue machines taking over the world; it’s also unlocking incredible opportunities that can genuinely improve our lives. From revolutionary advancements in healthcare to transformative changes in education, AI is opening doors we never even knew existed. So let’s shift our focus and dive into the positive impact AI is having right now.
The Cancer or the Cure?
AI has the power to revolutionise nearly every part of human life, from education to healthcare. In fact, in my opinion, the most impactful area of Generative AI (GenAI) is in the fight of diseases and more specifically, cancers. A traditional cancer diagnosis often requires time consuming scans, biopsies and lab work. This delays treatment and can reduce the chances of survival. AI is accelerating this process by improving detection accuracy and speed. Computer vision algorithms are now able to scan medical images, such as X-rays and MRIs, with a level of precision that rivals, and will likely soon surpass human experts. This more rapid analysis can detect cancer earlier, allowing treatment to start sooner.
AI is not only speeding up diagnosis but also assisting in research and personalisation of treatments. A recent Oxford University study has demonstrated how researchers have used ‘black-box’ deep learning AI models to theoretically make the key decisions on treatment (black-box machine learning models give you a result or reach a decision without explaining or showing how they did so). As AI models learn more about cancer, their ability to predict which treatments will work best for which patients will continue to improve, ultimately leading to better survival rates.
Lumos
I, like most millennials, was obsessed with the Harry Potter books as a child. My biggest problem was my inability to process written word. I would find my mind wandering as I read the page, often re-reading the same page two or three times. Fast forward to my aeronautical engineering studies in the Defence College in my previous life in the Air Force, again, I would struggle with taking written word and processing it. But by this stage I had long since discovered Stephen Fry’s audio version of the Harry Potter books, I had discovered that by recording myself reading my text books and listening back, I would retain the information far better.
One such example of AI transforming education is Khan Academy’s “Khanmigo.” This GenAI powered assistant chats with students in a conversational way, generating personalised explanations and examples to help them wrap their heads around complex topics. This kind of interactive learning is a game changer. By tailoring the learning experience to each student’s unique needs, Khanmigo makes tough subjects more accessible and even enjoyable. It turns education from a one size fits all lecture into something personalised.
Even beyond bespoke apps, students now have access to free GenAI tools such as Google’s NotebookLM, where they can upload their textbooks and have a realistic podcast created discussing the topic. This would have made such a difference in my own education, and I will be taking full advantage in my studies in the future. Advancements like this have the ability to democratise education, making it more accessible and equitable for everyone.
The Future of Humanity as Cyborgs
Another area of groundbreaking AI application is in the realm of prosthetics and bionics. Traditionally upper and lower limb amputees have had to settle for very basic devices with little or no functionality. However, AI-driven bionic limbs are starting to bring the promises of sci-fi to reality and not only providing brainwave driven movement, but also the sense of feel. This is achieved through sophisticated neural interfaces that connect to the nervous system, enabling more intuitive control of the prosthetic.
This is being achieved by AI algorithms translating neural signals into movement commands for the bionic arm or leg, mimicking natural movement. As the AI algorithms run the data and trial and error the inputs it is able to take the patient’s ‘phantom limb’ sensations and translate those into precise movements including grip and dexterity. This level of adaptability would was impossible only a couple of years ago due to the sheer amount of data processing required, AI's ability to continuously learn and optimise the bionic part's function, is restoring the use of legs, arms, hands and feet to individuals who once believed they had permanently lost them.
Summary
While it’s understandable that a technology as powerful as AI brings real concerns, focusing solely on the negatives means we’re overlooking the incredible opportunities it’s unlocking across various industries. We’ve seen how AI-driven prosthetics are turning sci-fi dreams into reality, restoring movement and sensation to those who thought they’d lost them forever. In healthcare, AI is revolutionising cancer detection and treatment, offering faster, more accurate diagnoses and personalised care that can save lives. Education is becoming more accessible and tailored, with AI tools breaking down barriers I personally struggled with during my own learning journey.
So, instead of fixating on Hollywood’s dystopian AI blockbusters (because let’s be honest, Skynet isn’t taking over just yet), maybe it’s time we flip the script. What if we embrace AI’s potential to enhance our lives? By recognising and championing the positive impacts of AI, we can help shape a future where technology enriches humanity rather than terrifies it. So, are we ready to focus on the immense benefits AI brings and hop aboard this optimistic Hogwarts Express?
