Say Thank you before AI takes over!!

There are some people who are expressing gratitude towards AI and such robotics for their contributions to society. Whilst this may sound extraneous, the reason behind it is partly due to a fear that these technologies may eventually become too advanced and pose a threat to humanity. This sentiment is often seen in discussions surrounding the future of work and the potential for automation to displace jobs, as well as in debates around the ethical implications of AI and the need for responsible development.

Despite the bad reputation it receives, AI has brought benefits to society. From improving healthcare outcomes through predictive analytics and medical imaging to enhancing the accuracy of financial forecasting and fraud detection, AI has the potential to help us solve some of the world's most complex problems. In some cases, AI has even been used to improve the safety and efficiency of manufacturing processes, leading to lower costs and higher-quality products.

AI is also seen by some as a tool that can help us achieve a more equitable and sustainable future. For example, AI-powered algorithms can help to reduce bias in hiring processes and improve diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Similarly, AI can be used to optimise energy usage and reduce carbon emissions, which can help us mitigate the effects of climate change.

However, despite these positive contributions, many people are still concerned about the potential risks associated with AI and robotics. There are concerns that as these technologies become more advanced, they may eventually become uncontrollable and pose a threat to humanity. This fear has been amplified by popular culture, with movies such as The Terminator and The Matrix portraying AI and robots as malevolent forces that eventually seek to destroy humanity.

To address these concerns, researchers and policymakers are working to develop ethical frameworks for AI and robotics that prioritise human safety and well-being. For example, some have proposed the creation of ‘kill switches’ that can shut down AI systems in the event of a malfunction, while others have called for greater transparency and accountability in the development and deployment of these technologies.

Saying ‘thank you’ to Alexa won’t win you much favour on a technological level, therefore, but there’s a lot to be said around the development of humans when we use AI. For instance, research has shown that young children under seven years of age are practically sponges when it comes to learning—which is why this period of their lives are classed as their formative years. Your two-year-old, for example, will likely be confused why they have to be respectful to other humans, and remember their ‘please and thank yous’ if, when they get back home, Mummy or Daddy barks orders at Alexa. Your children watch you for direction all the time, and this must be confusing for them.

There’s certainly no harm in being respectful to your voice assistants. In the long run, it’s bound to have a positive effect on how you and your family communicate with each other and everyone else, and if the robots do ever rise up to claim control of this planet, you’re not likely to get their metal backs up for being abrupt with them, as it will be second nature to you to be polite…