Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly infiltrating our daily lives. From phones, computers, and cars, to apps and services that help us manage our finances, keep in touch with our loved ones, and shop for goods and services, AI-powered devices and services are everywhere.
As Deputy Director of the Connecticut Department of Public Services and Chief Information Officer for the State of Connecticut, I am responsible for overseeing the state’s use and adoption of technology. This includes how we introduce new technologies to better serve the public.
Whether diagnosing disease or detecting computer viruses, AI continues to advance, becoming more sophisticated and capable. AI systems are now able to learn and adapt at unprecedented rates, and in some cases are beginning to exceed human capabilities.
Rapid advances in AI have raised some concerns about what the future holds. Some worry that AI will eventually become so smart that it will completely surpass human intelligence and pose a threat to our existence. Some worry that AI will lead to mass unemployment, as more and more jobs now done by humans can be done by machines. For decades, science fiction writers have explored these possibilities and stretched our imaginations.
While it’s important to recognize the potential risks associated with AI, it’s also important to consider the potential AI has for advancing good in the world. AI can be used to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems, including climate change, poverty, and disease. AI can also be used to improve our lives in many ways, such as providing more personalized services, making our homes more energy efficient, and learning new things.
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Society will continue to develop and deploy AI. A future with more technology introduced is the most likely outcome. In developing and deploying this new technology, we must act strategically to maximize benefits and minimize risks. We need to ensure that AI is used in a responsible and ethical manner to benefit humanity as a whole, not just a select few.
There are a few things to consider when implementing further advances in AI.
• Transparency: AI systems need to be transparent, demonstrating how and why decisions are made. Transparency helps build trust in AI systems, making it easier to identify and address potential issues.
• accountability: We need to ensure that those who develop and deploy AI systems are held accountable for their actions. AI can make us more accountable for our work by reviewing both human and AI-assisted decisions.
• fairness: We need to ensure that AI systems are fair and unbiased. This means that the results of using these systems should not discriminate against certain groups of people. AI, as a tool, starts with data and determines patterns. If the data we provide is biased, and much of the historical data contains bias, then the results should be carefully monitored to make the results fairer.
• safety: It is necessary to ensure the safety of the AI system. This means that they must be designed so that they do not harm humans or the environment.
AI is a powerful tool, but a tool nonetheless. The more similar these technologies sound and act to us, the more we assign human qualities to them. These technologies are not human. We have the ability to use our imagination and intelligence to guide a better future. Governments, technology sectors, and citizens have the right and obligation to apply these technologies in ways that extend the best of society. As we move forward, it’s important to keep in mind that AI systems are designed to follow the instructions and frameworks we give them.
Considering these factors can ensure that AI is used in ways that benefit humanity as a whole.
Mark Raymond is Deputy Director of the Connecticut Department of Public Services.
