Artificial Intelligence, which is also called machine learning, has received tremendous attention from a wide range of audiences in the past decade. Initially conceived as a mere bunch of algorithm programs that enabled a machine to take independent decisions, artificial intelligence has now found its way into many industries. Some of its prominent and advanced usages are in NLU (Natural Language Understanding), advanced predictions based on historical trends, social media suggestions, behavioral pattern studying among criminals, and cyber security.
Regardless of all the explosive advances made in the domain of Machine Learning, experts believe that everything is but still the tip of the iceberg. In other words, we are yet to see the full potential and complexity that artificial intelligence has to provide. Expanding at a rapid pace, the market for machine learning is only expected to exponentially grow in the coming decades, having a direct impact on every facet of human existence.
Will Machine Learning Reduce Job Availability?
As opposed to what was initially predicted, the use of artificial intelligence did not create a vacuum in the job market. Instead, it introduced some new types of jobs in the field of automation. How was this possible? The answer lies in how we perceive the contribution and influence of AI at large. Machine Learning and automation are not primarily intended to replace human efforts – rather, it is expected to leverage what we have to improve quality, precision, ease of use, and more.
Let’s take the field of marketing for example. Using historical trends on a customer’s purchases and their field of interest when they browse commodities, machine learning can provide accurate suggestions on what the customer might like to buy. Similarly, in the area of e-learning, AI creates personalized learning experiences for learners.
Artificial Intelligence might have made some jobs redundant; however, it does not do so without creating more jobs in other areas. Also, innovation in machine learning has helped us to do things that we previously thought were not possible – such as using the GPS to find the shortest and best-possible route to a destination.
How will Artificial Intelligence influence lifestyle?
Innovation builds on itself. Current innovations are built on innovations of the past, and future innovations use current innovations as the foundation to build upon. The same can be said about our lifestyle. Humans have, through the generations, integrated technology as a part of their lifestyle. From the innovation of wheels to the introduction of smartphones, technology has never stopped being a part of our everyday life.
So, to what extent will we be able to embrace AI in the future? Or, how far will AI affect our perspective and consciousness in our day-to-day existence? We have already taken some things that AI has to offer for granted – such as facial recognition, personalized marketing, and social media suggestions. It is just a matter of time before self-driving vehicles, well-developed robotic personal assistants, virtual entertainment worlds, etc. will become a part of our life. AI will invade every aspect of our life, making life without AI almost nonexistent.
Machine Learning in Healthcare
Scientific advancements in the medical field generally have gone a long way in increasing longevity and improving quality of life. AI will only augment these scientific advancements to achieve miracles and wonders in the healthcare industry.
When it comes to providing healthcare, data is extremely important and vital – data is just not in itself but data that can lend itself to meaningful analysis and interpretations. Machine learning can employ complex algorithms to generate meaningful and important information that is crucial in providing the best treatment.
For example, diagnostic devices that can analyze patient data and accurately detect issues allows treatments to be provided quickly and safely – especially in cases where time is a critical factor.
With healthcare, humans and machines will learn to coexist together – wherein AI will constantly monitor and learn in such a way that it can provide the best possible guidance, advice, and treatment for patients. In the coming years, it is expected that AI’s involvement in the healthcare industry will increase manifold – immensely increasing its value in the industry.
Extreme Artificial Intelligence
Technology has always been a good slave but a poor master. Regardless of all the innovations and benefits that machine learning has brought about, there is a restless speculation on whether AI will surpass human control and take over the world. There have been movies that have dwelt on the subject of man versus robot. Should we be worried? Can AI really take over?
AI can learn, assimilate and analyze information at a rate that we cannot comprehend, and its prospects are limitless. The question is, “how much control are we going to give AI?”. Laws that govern AI intervention are still at their primitive stage – they do not keep up with the speed at which AI is overtaking every sphere of our life.
Yes, unless we establish stringent laws and regulations that govern AI, there is a cause for concern when it comes to unrestrained machine learning. Also, who will introduce these laws and govern them? How will the laws be updated and adapted to the ever-changing machine-learning ecosystem? Can these laws rest in the hands of a few individuals? How far will the common public be able to vote in the formation of these laws? These are important questions that need to be answered quickly.
Conclusion
AI will never have a consciousness of its own. Even the apparent consciousness that is exhibited by some very complex robots is what we have provided to them. As with all innovations, consideration of ethics is vital. AI is not capable of making ethical decisions – all ethics are but artificial! It is important that we tread cautiously when letting AI take decisions that have a huge impact. Machine learning should always be monitored and regulated.
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