Disadvantages of AI?

 We all are experiencing the benefits of AI, scientists are speculating the brighter future for AI. Though we all are fascinated by concepts like automated cars, personalized shopping, etc, are they any threats from this AI that we all are unaware of?

Let’s find out…

What is AI? It is a subset of computer science applications. What is the main objective of AI-based machines? It is to mimic human activities such that it can be used to augment their natural abilities or ease their lives. Some of the major AI-based software include Google Cloud Machine Learning Engine, TensorFlow, Azure Machine Learning Studio, Cortana, IBM Watson, etc.

However, when you look at the brighter side of a thing, you should acknowledge that there is a darker side to it. Similarly, despite several advantages that AI offers, it also has some disadvantages that we can’t ignore. So, let us look at some of the major disadvantages of AI implementation.

1. HIGH COST OF IMPLEMENTATION

Setting up AI-based machines, computers, etc. entails huge costs given the complexity of engineering that goes into building one. Further, the astronomical expense doesn’t stop there as repair and maintenance also run into thousands of dollars. Do you know how much it cost Apple to acquire its virtual assistant SIRI? The acquisition of the software cost somewhere around a whopping $200 million. Further, the high cost of AI implementation is evident from the fact that Amazon acquired Alexa for $26 million in 2013.

These AI-based software programs require frequent upgrades in order to cater to the requirements of the changing environment as the machine needs to become smarter by the day. In case the software suffers a severe breakdown, then the process of recovering lost codes and reinstalling the system can give you nightmares due to the huge time and cost involved.

2. CAN’T REPLACE HUMANS

It is beyond any doubt that machines perform much more efficiently as compared to a human being. But even then it is practically impossible to replace humans with AIs, at least in the near future, because you can’t build human intelligence in a machine as it is a gift of nature. So, no matter how smart a machine can become, it can never replace a human.

We might get terrified at the idea of being replaced by machines, but honestly, it is still a far-fetched notion. Machines are rational but don’t have any emotions or moral values. They lack the ability to bond with human beings which is a critical attribute needed to manage a team of humans.

Yes, it is true that they can store a lot of data but the procedure of retrieving information from them is quite a cumbersome process, which is way difficult compared to human intelligence.

3. DOESN’T IMPROVE WITH EXPERIENCE

One of the most amazing characteristics of human cognitive power is its ability to develop with age and experience. However, the same can’t be said about AIs as they are machines that can’t improve with experience, rather it starts to wear and tear with time.

You need to understand one thing that machines can’t alter their responses to changing environments. That is the basic premise on which AIs are built – repetitive nature of work where the input doesn’t change. So, whenever there is some change in the input, the AIs need to be re-assessed, re-trained and re-build.

Machines can’t judge what is right or what is wrong because they are incapable of understanding the concept of ethical or legal. They are programmed for certain situations and as such can’t take decisions in cases where they encounter an unfamiliar (not programmed for) situation.

4. LACKS CREATIVITY

As already mentioned above – AIs are not built for creative pieces of work. So, it should be crystal clear by now that creativity or imagination is not the forte of the AIs. Although they can help you in designing and creating something special, they still can’t compete with the human brain. Their creativity is limited to the creative ability of the person who programs and commands them.

Human brains are characterized by immense sensitivity and high emotional quotient. To put it simply, AIs can become skilled machines but they can never acquire the abilities of the human brain. The reason is that skills can be learned and mastered, but abilities come naturally and can only be honed.

5. RISK OF UNEMPLOYMENT

With rapid development being made in the field of AI, the question that plagues our intuitive brain is that – will AI replace humans? Honestly, I am not sure whether AIs will lead to higher unemployment or not. But AIs are likely to take over the majority of the repetitive tasks, which are largely binary in nature and involve minimum subjectivity.

According to a study conducted by McKinsey Global Institute, intelligent agents and robots could replace ~30% of the world’s current human labor by the year 2030. The study further states that “automation will displace between 400 and 800 million jobs by 2030, requiring as many as 375 million people to switch job categories entirely”.

So, it can’t be ruled out that AIs will result in a less human intervention which may cause major disruption in the employment standards. Nowadays, most of the organization are implementing automation at some level in order to replace the minimum qualified individuals with machines that can do the same work with higher efficiency. It is further evident from the information provided by International Data Corp.which states that worldwide AI spending is expected to hit $35.8 Billion in 2019, which is then likely to more than double to $79.2 Billion by 2022.

CONCLUSION

In the above discussion, we have seen some of the major disadvantages of AI implementation. So, it can be concluded that like any other invention AI also comes with its own set of problems. However, it won’t be too optimistic to believe that all these problems will probably be fixed with time, including the issue of unemployment which can be solved with human upskilling.