Artificial Intelligence: A Cause for Concern or a Tool for Good?

Risks and Responsibilities in a Technological Age

Artificial intelligence has become a very popular topic, discussed by scientists, journalists, and politicians. Discussions about AI revolve around two main questions:

• Is artificial intelligence safe, i.e. will it lead to the end of humanity or a new kind of alienation?

• Is the use of artificial intelligence ethical?

These two questions carry great weight as the answer to these questions has implications for all walks of life. There are, of course, many other concerns and worries when it comes to AI. However, from a philosophical point of view, it seems a bit strange to treat artificial intelligence as a whole.

It is obvious that the topic of artificial intelligence covers a wide spectrum.

For example, many people argue that we should not use AI due to ethical concerns. Such claims are often ideologically based and hide the fact that we are already using artificial intelligence in our daily lives without even realizing it.

Like most people, you probably have an email account and use the internet (or how else would you be reading this). Ever wondered how your email provider’s spam filter works (or doesn’t work so well)? Or how you get personalized ads? It is done using a version of artificial intelligence.

To try to take a more nuanced view of AI, I think we should ask the opposite questions to what is commonly posed. Is there an obvious ethical use for AI? In other words, are there applications of artificial intelligence that do good?

In this article, I will use two very interesting examples to answer this question; one from the medical field and one from crime prevention.

Artificial Intelligence Saves Lives

An obvious example of the good AI can do is in the medical field. One such use for artificial intelligence is in diagnostic imaging. In a recently published paper, the authors explain:

“AI’s role in diagnostic imaging is not merely about automating processes; it fundamentally changes the approach to disease diagnosis, making it more precise and efficient.” (Khalifa et al. 2024)

In other words, AI not only contributes to better diagnosis, but also helps to prevent medical mistakes. The authors add:

“AI can analyse historical data and identify trends or risk factors, enabling early detection of diseases, which is often key in improving patient outcomes, especially in conditions like cancer where early intervention can alter the prognosis.” (Khalifa et al. 2024)

What this paper does not address is that not all countries and populations around the world can benefit from such medical advances. Many people do not have access to adequate health care.

In other words, it is being implemented in richer countries, but it remains the domain of science fiction or a dream for many. Artificial intelligence is saving lives and could save many more, but it needs a well-developed and evolving system of care.

Artificial Intelligence Protects You Against Fraud

Artificial intelligence also has a proven track record in fraud prevention. Programmers have created an AI program called Daisy.

Daisy is an old lady who loves a good conversation, especially with scammers! This lady cannot be hurt, you cannot scare her or blackmail her. She even has no money to give you. Her raison de vivre is simply to waste the time of scammers on the phone.

This artificial intelligence is set to have the longest possible conversation with scammers, taking up their time and preventing them from talking to real people.

“While on the phone with the fraudsters, Daisy tells them meandering stories about her family, talks about knitting, and provides false information about her bank details.” (Desmarais 2024)

She urges cheaters to waste their time; something she has plenty of, since she is not a living being.

“She has been able to keep fraudsters on the phone for 40 minutes at a time so far, the telco company that created her said in a statement.” (Desmarais 2024)

Many applications of such artificial intelligence can be imagined, and I wonder what wonders will come in the near future.

Conclusion

Artificial intelligence is a tool with potential and risks. It raises important ethical questions about its use and impact on society. While concerns about security and abuse are valid, artificial intelligence also has the capacity to greatly improve lives.

It is already making a difference in areas such as healthcare, where it is helping to save lives through better diagnosis, and fraud prevention, where it is protecting people from harm. At its core, artificial intelligence is not an independent entity, but a technology shaped by human choices.

Do we approach artificial intelligence with a commitment to fairness, responsibility, and the common good? Will we ensure that its benefits are available to all, not just a privileged few?

The future of artificial intelligence depends entirely on the choices we make today. If we prioritize ethical development and thoughtful application, artificial intelligence can be a powerful tool for positive change.

But this requires that we take responsibility for our actions and use artificial intelligence in ways that reflect our best intentions and values. By doing so, we may be able to ensure that AI becomes a force for good, serving humanity rather than threatening people.