As we enter 2024, it is clear that artificial intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of our society. The year 2023 marked a significant shift in the perception of AI, with generative AI taking center stage and capturing the public’s imagination. However, amidst the hype and excitement, there are challenges that we must address in order to shape the future of AI.
One of the major debates in 2023 revolved around the use of chatbots, such as ChatGPT, in education. At first, concerns were raised about students using these chatbots to cheat, leading to bans in some schools. However, as time went on, educators recognized the importance of teaching students about AI. It is crucial for students to understand the limitations of AI and how to use it appropriately. This applies not only to students but to everyone in society. The more people understand AI, the more empowered they are to utilize it effectively and critique its applications.
Looking ahead to 2024, there is a hope that there will be a significant push for education and understanding of AI. It is essential for universities to prioritize hiring AI ethicists alongside technical AI experts. Media outlets can also play a role in cutting through the hype and providing accurate information about AI. Moreover, individuals need to reflect on their own use of AI technology and its consequences. Tech companies should be receptive to informed critiques in order to make informed choices that will shape the future of AI.
In terms of technological advancements, the competition for AI supremacy is expected to intensify in 2024. The release of ChatGPT in 2022 sparked a race for profit and glory in the AI industry, leading to the development of more powerful AI and a flood of new applications. However, one of the main technical challenges that AI engineers face is addressing the limitations of deep learning, particularly in areas such as deductive logic. Efforts are being made to find new approaches to overcome these challenges, and progress is expected in the coming year.
With the emergence of new AI applications, there will also be new problems to address. AI chatbots and assistants conversing with each other could lead to unforeseen consequences, both comical and tragic. Deepfakes, AI-generated images and videos that are difficult to detect, are likely to pose a threat to individuals and democracies, despite efforts to regulate them. Additionally, new classes of AI calamities may arise, highlighting the need for constant vigilance and regulation.
Interestingly, some of the major critics of AI, such as Elon Musk and Sam Altman, continue to invest in and develop more powerful AI. This raises questions about the need for stronger regulation at both national and international levels. While AI has the potential for immense transformative power, there is also a need to distinguish between human-generated and AI-generated content to prevent the spread of misinformation and algorithmic harm.
The deluge of synthetic content produced by generative AI creates a world where malicious entities can manipulate information and create synthetic identities. This poses significant challenges to information verification, information literacy, and serendipity in digital platforms. Regulatory agencies, such as the Federal Trade Commission, have warned about the potential for fraud, deception, and privacy infringements enabled by AI-assisted content creation. Efforts are being made to address these concerns, with proposed bills aiming to codify algorithmic literacy as part of digital literacy.
Overall, as we look ahead to 2024, it is crucial to strike a balance between the potential of AI and the need for responsible and ethical development. Education and understanding of AI, along with strong regulation, will be key in shaping the future of this transformative technology. Ensuring that AI is used for the benefit of society and with careful consideration of its impact will be crucial in harnessing its potential for positive change.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it