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The Dual Nature of AI in STEM: Opportunities and Concerns
Written by: Ain | 2/5/24
Human hand touching a robotic hand. @boltic.ac.uk
Throughout the years there has been a rise of AI tech in STEM, and it has become more prevalent in recent years. With technology being everywhere, you’ve probably seen people experimenting with AI, be it ChatGPT, image generators, or other AI platforms, it seems as though they’re everywhere. While this can be used for general good it’s been observed to have been abused by some people.
A major problem people have with AI is the fear that their jobs will be taken. We’ve already seen something similar to this with automated machinery back when quarantine was in place. According to the SSIR, during the pandemic, around 40 million people lost their jobs in the U.S. and were replaced with machinery. Why risk infection and spend money on salaries when you could just use machinery? This was the general mindset at the time.
In the study Gen-AI: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work by the International Monetary Fund, they researched how far AI could go, and they predicted AI could have a major impact on the global labor market.
They found that around 40% of employment worldwide is exposed to AI. Although this was the main point of discussion in the study, AI can also be used for good. AI can be used to help train new employees so they can increase their experience, as well as productivity without other people having to take the time out of their jobs to help.
Moreover, AI can also create new opportunities for jobs. For example, the development of AI relies on people. Therefore, people experienced in their fields can work on helping the AI learn more about specific cases of study that can improve its efficiency and accuracy. Additionally, AI may be able to help with monotonous tasks or ones that are too dangerous for humans.
Ultimately, there are many solid arguments for whether AI can be used as a good tool or not. But, in the end, though, AI can be used for good, it’s what we decide to do with it that determines the outcome.
Sources used:
https://ssir.org/articles/entry/ai-impact-on-jobs-and-work