More Than 1,300 Experts Call AI a Force for Good

An open letter signed by more than 1,300 experts says AI is a "force for good, not a threat to humanity.” Is it?

Artificial Intelligence is something that has divided opinion in recent months. Since ChatGPT was unveiled in November 2022, there have been many people who have considered this the second coming. In July 2023, an open letter organised by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, had over 1,300 signatories stating that AI is a "force for good, not a threat to humanity.” There has been a lot of naysaying about tools like ChatGPT, which prompted this open letter. But is AI a force for good and/or the spearhead of a new industrial revolution, or is it just a shiny toy that will burn brightly and be forgotten about this time next year?

What It Does for Productivity

The modern world and indeed modern businesses need to find approaches to work smarter rather than harder and AI tools like ChatGPT can be invaluable in this respect. From the perspective of businesses, it becomes essential for an organisation to implement AI into its practices for the sake of better customer service.

AI chatbots are an excellent example in the field of customer service as many companies are looking for ways to keep the customer satisfied, while also keeping costs down and staff productive. This is where tools like our chatbot can help you. If you want to learn how to add online chat to your website, it will certainly benefit your business.

What If It Isn't a Force for Good Right Now?

The potential for AI is infinite. However, the biggest concern amongst most people is that right now it can be a threat to humanity in the same way as the atomic bomb. Used as a tool to bully nations, the atomic bomb is something that can cause widespread damage and destruction. Is AI a similar practice disguised as a productivity tool? AI has the potential to create transformations beyond efficiency and productivity:

• AI is making waves in the medical sector to improve diagnostic personalised treatment plans, medical research, and so much more.
• In education, AI-powered educational tools can provide personal learning experiences and make education more accessible.
• AI is also accelerating scientific research in a wide variety of applications like astronomy.

But because we are unable to see the wood for the trees now, we are worried that AI is something that will reduce human input. Many are concerned as to the potential for job disruption and security risks, as well as social inequality that can widen gaps in society because of biased algorithms.

Whatever we think about AI, it is going to change the world, and certainly, the BCS sees the world of AI in a supremely positive light, but even they have stated there should be rules around it. AI can certainly be a force for good, but maybe right now it is too much in its infancy as it can go in so many different directions that, naturally, a lot of people are wary about. It's safe to say that AI can infinitely transform how businesses operate in terms of productivity, but we may need to give AI some more time to see if it is a grenade amongst the pigeons.