The rudimentary ideas of ground-breaking advancements in technology were once reserved only for the world of science fiction. From the imaginative minds behind sci-fi classics like the Terminator, Robo-Cop, I-Robot and Chappie, to name a few – not many believed they would be witnessing the inclusion of artificial intelligence models in the makeup of our strangely modern, brave new world. In the progression of this techno-revolution that appears now to be unstoppable, sights are set on the benefits of Artificial Intelligence, trans-humanism and biometrics. In a subtle manner, it has crept in all around us. It’s in our smartphones and smart televisions, tablets and iPads, smart 3D headphones, credit cards and RFID scanners, to name a few. Yet, amidst the glamour of a promised tech-utopia, critics are sceptical over the true motives of leading technology moguls of artificial intelligence, and whether their presence will serve to benefit or deficit mankind.
On October 25th of 2017, history was made when an A.I. humanoid robot named Sophia became the first of its kind to retain citizenship in the country of Saudi Arabia. After being dubbed the world’s first United Nations Innovation Champion by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Sophia’s creator Dr. David Hanson, expressed his passion to create genius machines that would surpass human intelligence. To accomplish the task of engineering soulless sculptures of metal, wiring and plastic while mimicking human qualities like creativity, empathy, compassion and reasoning skills seems a fascinating fait accompli to most. To others, the idea may engender distrust and fear. And with justifiable reasons. Not only are the livelihoods of certain labour professions under siege, but could the welfare and security of innocent people be at stake? Could it be possible that these robotic- geniuses, patterned with characteristics on par with and/or exceeding that of human intelligence, are designed to exhibit both the positive and negative attributes of its creators? And furthermore, with the archetype of Sophia paving the way for a co-existence between humanoids and mortal beings, could it be another parallel example of the combination of man and machine displayed in trans-humanism? With the emergence of smarter, stronger, faster, more equipped robots, it undoubtedly poses a threat to the most brilliant and adroit minds. So then, in an attempt to maintain our standards as self-serving creatures, we will be open to “technology superpowers,” like a Radio Frequency Identification device (RFID) placed under the skin to make connecting with other electronic devices more convenient! Or perhaps manipulate our genetic code to enhance physical capabilities or prolong life. Sounds farfetched?! These are no longer futuristic imaginings – they exist and are being spearheaded as part of our ‘Brave New World.’ For some authentically expert advice on the dangers of trans-humanism in light if these questions, let’s refer to the words of Tesla’s Motor CEO Elon Musk:
“I think we should be very careful about artificial intelligence. If I were to guess like what our biggest existential threat is, it’s probably that…With artificial intelligence we are summoning the demon.”
One has to wonder, with the extrapolation of artificial intelligence technology instilled in virtually every facet of our daily lives, what sorts of professions are in the red zone? Taken from a survey conducted by the Pew Research Centre, it claims 47% of all employment opportunities will be occupied by machines in the next twenty years. Another statistics report done by the World Bank also states that “if automation and
A.I. is not properly planned and executed the effects can be disastrous, affecting 60% to 70% of current jobs worldwide.”
Professions with the most uncertainty entail telemarketers, receptionists, couriers, proof readers, taxi drivers, farmers and various sectors of the healthcare industry. However, as dismal as these predictions sound, the tech-experts are promising artificial intelligence will act not as a replacement to human labour, but will ‘redefine’ the given field of work. Despite this assertion, estimates prove that automation used in the process of manufacturing systems is threatening to eliminate 69% of jobs in India and 77% in China. Again, they succour the masses into believing A.I. is simply here to “do these jobs more effectively,” but what will be the future of a taxi driver, bus driver or long-haul truck driver now that driverless vehicles are being produced by major automobile companies? Industry giants promise that by 2020, these cars will be available to the public. We haven’t much longer to go.
