AI, Are You A Watcher Or A Skeptic

We have two main questions for AI watchers (that are a few) and AI skeptics (that are certainly a lot more). Is the AI’s instigation being actioned immediately without even examining the bigger picture and are we okay with AI taking over human roles?

A watcher of AI for Accenture Global Health, Dr. Safavi, emphasizes that we might actually be taking a narrow view of Artificial Intelligence’s potential and power.

“To maximize the potential of AI, healthcare organizations must re-imagine and reinvent their processes from scratch—and create self-adapting, self-optimizing “living processes” using machine learning algorithms and real-time data to improve. Machines themselves will become agents of process change, unlocking new roles and new ways for humans and machines to work together”.

A lot of developers and watchers of the AI system still don’t predict an existing or future trend in which humans are being completely cut out-of-the-loop. Instead, they foresee (as told by trend-watchers and AI developers) a future in which Artificial Intelligence targets to complement the interactions or actions of humans. It is either because of the inefficiency of the technology to take over the human roles completely, or perhaps humans can offer a more autonomous and holistic response to any circumstances, thus, using AI as master and commander.

The Usage of AI Algorithms - Is It Taking Over The Human Roles?

The main area of contention lies in the introduction of the AI algorithms usage covertly. We will explain this with an example of AI algorithms applications in the finance industry. Associate Professor of Political Science at State University of New York Virginia Eubanks, views AI algorithms as an approach to stay unbiased while distributing ethical and correct welfare funding. The reaction of some watchers to the usage of AI algorithms is positive and they think that it’s an appropriate way to make the process neutral and smart machine can only bring the impartiality.

On the other hand, some skeptics also think that in such cases, AI may initially provide accuracy but actually, humans initiate the data and control devise algorithms and data input. Skeptics and watchers both warn to be cautious and think that AI may be viewed as neutral or unbiased, however, interpretation of the data and human interaction should also be considered.

Typically, there is a perception that mostly the AI technologies require a large amount of human response, either data input or programming. Thus, bringing autonomous and automation behaviors into question.

Who Will Watch The (AI) Watchers?

What mainly drives the existing trend to implement AI solutions is the fact that negative externalities due to AI use aren’t borne by organizations developing it. Normally, this situation is addressed with government regulation. For instance, the restriction on industrial pollution is because of the future cost to society. Regulations are followed for the protection of people in circumstances where they can harm.

These negative consequences are existing in the current use of AI. Today, except for a few cases, there is absolutely zero regulation involving the use of Artificial Intelligence. The basic assertions of algorithm accountability aren’t guaranteed for either automated decision making or users of technology.

Recently, it has come to light that Amazon abandoned the in-house technology that they were using to pick the best resumes from thousands of applications. They learned that their system developed an inclination towards male candidates, penalizing women applicants. Later, Amazon ensured that their technology works eﬀectively. Other organizations may not be as vigilant, but they can at least take the first step.

Can Artificial Intelligence Be Biased?

With machine learning, you never know what biased features your system might develop. Unless the organizations are bound to be opaque about their use of transparent technology in areas where impartiality matters, it won’t happen. Transparency and accountability are crucial to safely implementing AI solutions in real-world.

At this point, let’s face the fact that our current use of Artificial Intelligence is getting ahead of its competences and using it securely requires more consideration than how much it’s getting.