Artificial intelligence (AI), which has rapidly advanced in recent years, has raised growing concerns among the public. Some fear that emerging developments may lead to harmful outcomes, prompting experts to view AI as a serious issue that requires close attention. A survey presented by Katja Grace, founder of AI Impacts, and her team in Thousands of AI Authors on the Future of AI reported that 38 to 51 percent of experts believe there is at least a 10 percent chance that advanced AI could pose catastrophic consequences for humanity.
Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy, Professor Rr. Siti Murtiningsih noted that the concerns expressed by experts and scientists amid the accelerating development of AI are reasonable.
“If we reflect deeply, these concerns actually mirror the hidden strengths within human beings. When we are able to manage these strengths properly, they can give rise to previously unimaginable innovations, including what we now call AI,” she said on Monday (Nov. 10).
She explained that one way to address AI-related challenges is to deepen our understanding of how the technology works, particularly because humans are the creators of these systems. This must be followed by risk mitigation efforts, preparation, and management of various necessary measures, ranging from literacy to regulation.
“Truly understanding technology also requires examining the consequences or aspects that arise from what we create, both the positive and the negative,” said Professor Murtiningsih.
She believes that education is the most effective means of anticipating AI-related risks. Education, she said, provides a foundation that equips individuals with ethical and moral grounding when creating and developing technology.
She further warned that children introduced to technology without organic developmental experiences may face negative consequences. According to Professor Murtiningsih, biological development is essential to becoming a fully grounded human being, rather than one whose entire being is shaped by technological exposure.
For Professor Murtiningsih, AI remains a product of past and present technological innovation. Moreover, prompts or instructions given to AI systems vary from person to person.
“We are human beings with limitless intellect. Meanwhile, AI thinking is bounded by what exists today and yesterday, or by what we feed into it,” she explained.
From her perspective, feelings of concern about AI are natural. However, these concerns can be addressed by beginning to think creatively about how to position AI as a collaborative partner.
“Live wisely amid the presence of AI technology and build healthy partnerships with it, whether as users or creators,” she concluded.
Author: Alena Damaris
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Salma
Illustration: Freepik