Artificial Intelligence boon or bane?

It’s a pleasure to be surrounded by intelligent things that make our life easy, wealthy, comfortable, happy and most importantly healthy. There are many species on earth and humans are one of them. The unparalleled human potential distinguishes humans from others. We have higher level of consciousness than others, emotions to express, ability to create and ability to deal with the surprises like tsunami sent by the mighty nature.
Having lots of intelligent things like computers, internet, Siri,  Alexa, Facebook, Google, Drones, self-driving cars have definitely improved our lifestyles and enhanced our efficiency. All these intelligence are created by humans to empower the human beings and are the best example of artificial or machine intelligence at present. The primitive artificial intelligence has been proved beneficial to the mankind. The matter of concern are the headlines we often come through that artificial intelligence will destroy human jobs, increase automation, will be smarter than us and make people unnecessary. The human input will not require by the intelligent machines and they will work on their past experiences and able to take decisions on their own.
Eminent scientist Late Stephen Hawking has warned that the development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of human race. His statement reminds me of mythological anecdote of Bhasmasura.He become so powerful by the boon given by lord Shiva that he didn’t hesitate to test his power on the lord Shiva who created him. Similarly man made AI is going to destroy its own creator if the use of AI is not controlled and regulated. What will happen if Siri starts sending messages to the people of her own choice or your self-driven car takes you to its favorite destination  instead of yours.
Humans have potential to create ,reproduce beautiful things but unfortunately we have destroyed the natural climate, created horrific things like global warming,terrorism,corruption ,pollution, health hazards by our intelligence. Artificial intelligence can play a vital and productive role in dealing with such menaces.
The two main concerns that are repeatedly raised against AI is unemployment and taking control of human race. These apprehensions are solvable to an extent and sometimes threat of AI is overblown. A machine can never give you affection, sense of belonging, care and the human touch. Any machine cannot be a substitute of a mother for a child, any musical device will never deter you to be the privileged live audience of your favorite singer. Technology, automation and AI has certainly taken some minuscule jobs from humans but it is giving opportunities to indulge humans in more creative activities. Always remember the very purpose of the existence of artificial intelligence is to empower the mankind and the mankind must be careful of not being overpowered by the AI.
Jaishree Singh, Guest Lecturer, IRTDM Faculty