In the bustling corridors of The University of New Mexico, a lively discussion unfolds on the latest episode of the podcast, "It's (Probably) Not Rocket Science." The topic? The ever-expanding influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in our daily lives. From the smartphones in our pockets to the spreadsheets we work on, AI is quietly revolutionizing the way we live and work, often without us even realizing it.
Just a year and a half ago, Leo Lo, the insightful dean of the College of University Libraries and Learning Sciences at UNM, shared his thoughts on AI's potential. Fast forward to today, and the landscape has shifted so dramatically that even yesterday's insights can feel outdated. "Every time I talk about AI, I have to put out a disclaimer," Lo remarks. "The information from two weeks ago might already be old news."
The meteoric rise of ChatGPT, which reached 1 million users in just five days, exemplifies this rapid evolution. Today, approximately 450 million people engage with it monthly. AI has seamlessly integrated into tools like Microsoft Office and iPhones, often unnoticed by users.
As AI's capabilities grow, so do the challenges of regulating it. The European Union has taken a pioneering step with the AI Act, categorizing AI by risk level and imposing stringent guidelines. Yet, a global debate persists: How can we foster innovation while ensuring AI remains in check? Lo cautions that while AI holds immense promise, it also poses significant risks.
"AI can introduce a lot of misinformation," he warns. "There are transparency issues, copyright concerns, and the potential for real harm. But at the same time, it’s a massive economic driver, so we have to strike a balance."
In the United States, AI policy is in flux. Shifts in leadership have led to new policies, overturning previous guidelines and leaving many uncertain about the future of AI regulation.
Meanwhile, tech companies are racing towards Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), the concept that AI could surpass human intelligence in most areas. "There are different levels of AGI," Lo explains. "Right now, I’d say we’re at level one. AI can do some tasks better than unskilled humans, like generating text, but it’s far from perfect. Some believe we’ll reach a point where AI is better than 90% or even 100% of people at certain tasks. Others say we’ll never get there. The truth is, we don’t know."
Lo envisions a future where AI revolutionizes industries such as science, healthcare, and education. If harnessed correctly, AI could take over mundane tasks, freeing humans to focus on creative and meaningful work. "That’s the hope," he says. "AI could handle the things we don’t like doing, so we can focus on what really matters."
However, challenges loom large. AI's impact on misinformation, job security, and the environment raises difficult questions. Training AI models demands vast amounts of energy, adding to ethical concerns.
Drawing parallels to the rise of social media, Lo notes how initial excitement can sometimes overshadow hidden consequences. "We didn’t fully understand social media’s impact until years later," he reflects. "AI is the same way; we’re still figuring it out."
As the world grapples with the complexities of AI, one thing is certain: the conversation is far from over. The journey of understanding and integrating AI into society is ongoing, and the stakes are high.
Key Takeaways:
- AI is rapidly integrating into daily life, often unnoticed.
- Regulation is struggling to keep pace with AI's rapid evolution.
- AI holds both immense potential and significant risks.
- The future of AI regulation in the U.S. remains uncertain.
- The conversation about AI's role in society is just beginning.