Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become integral to our modern world, from the algorithms recommending what we watch to systems powering self-driving cars. However, as AI becomes increasingly internalized in our daily life, we must examine the consequences of growing reliance on the new development. There are questions we should ask ourselves. Is AI merely a tool, or is our dependency on it becoming a potential risk? This double-edged sword offers both immense opportunities and significant challenges that require thoughtful exploration.
AI as an Empowering Tool
AI’s potential to enhance human capabilities is undeniable. In healthcare, AI-driven tools aid in diagnostics, allowing early detection of diseases that could otherwise be missed. In finance, AI processes vast amounts of data, identifying trends and making investment decisions more accurately and efficiently. In such cases, AI complements human intelligence, improving outcomes while allowing professionals to focus on higher-level tasks.
In environmental science, AI models predict climate change patterns, helping governments and researchers plan effective responses. Education systems use AI to personalize learning experiences, making education more accessible to diverse learners. By leveraging AI, we can address some of the most pressing global challenges, improving efficiency and precision in ways that were previously unimaginable.
Despite these benefits, overreliance on AI can erode critical human skills. The increasing use of AI-based navigation systems, for instance, has led to a decline in people’s ability to navigate independently. Similarly, the rise of AI-generated content raises concerns about creativity and critical thinking. Hope we will not lose our ability to write, reflect, and analyze if machines do it for us!
Nick Bostrom, a professor at the University of Oxford and a leading philosopher in AI, has extensively discussed the potential risks and rewards of AI. In his book Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies, Bostrom warns about the dangers of losing control over AI systems if we become too reliant on them. He argues that humans must ensure AI remains aligned with our values as it becomes more powerful.
Also, Stuart Russell, a professor of Computer Science at UC Berkeley and co-author of Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach, highlights the ethical and control challenges posed by AI emphasizes the need for developing “provably beneficial” AI, where AI systems are guaranteed to act in alignment with human preferences, preserving human autonomy and ensuring ethical oversight.
Another major concern is accountability. AI systems, particularly those used in law enforcement and judicial processes, make decisions that affect people’s lives. Predictive policing algorithms, for example, have been criticized for perpetuating racial bias, as they rely on historical data that may reflect societal inequities. If humans blindly trust AI to make such important decisions, we risk diminishing the human oversight necessary to ensure fairness and justice.
Ethical Implications
The ethical challenges posed by AI cannot be ignored. One significant issue is bias in AI models. Since AI systems learn from data, any biases in that data can be replicated and amplified in AI decisions. This has been observed in recruitment tools, where AI systems have favored certain demographic groups, leading to discrimination. Ensuring fairness in AI requires diligent oversight and ongoing efforts to reduce bias in training data.
Another critical ethical dilemma is the impact on employment. As AI systems become more capable, there is growing concern that many jobs will be automated, displacing workers who lack the skills to transition into new roles. While AI may create new jobs, the shift could leave many behind, especially those in sectors most vulnerable to automation. Governments, educational institutions, and industries need to collaborate on solutions that allow workers to reskill and adapt to an AI-driven economy.
The more dependent we become on AI, the more we risk losing control over decision-making. In areas like transportation, healthcare, and finance, automated systems increasingly make choices with little to no human input. This shift raises questions about autonomy. How much should we trust AI, and when should humans take control?
Moreover, the convenience AI offers could lead to a society where humans are more passive, relying on AI to make decisions and solve problems. The challenge lies in finding a balance—using AI where it can enhance our lives, but ensuring we maintain the skills, judgment, and responsibility necessary to make informed decisions. AI should serve as a tool to complement human capabilities, not replace them entirely.
To avoid the pitfalls of AI dependency, we need a human-centered approach. First, education is key. People must understand AI’s limitations as well as its potential. Equipping individuals with the knowledge to navigate AI’s influence will empower them to use it wisely, ensuring that human judgment remains at the forefront.
In conclusions, Artificial Intelligence offers transformative possibilities, but it also presents serious risks, particularly when it comes to human dependency.
Shoshana Zuboff, in her book The Age of Surveillance Capitalism, critiques the way AI is used by large corporations to collect data and influence behavior. Zuboff raises concerns about how increasing reliance on AI and data-driven systems can undermine personal freedom, erode privacy, and concentrate power in the hands of those who control AI technologies. If we become too reliant on AI, we may lose essential skills, reduce accountability, and allow ethical concerns to go unchecked. However, if we take a thoughtful, human-centric approach to AI development, we can harness its power to enhance, rather than diminish, our capabilities. The challenge lies in striking a balance between leveraging AI’s benefits and maintaining human oversight, creativity, and responsibility.
Ultimately, AI should be a tool that empowers us, not one that takes control. By ensuring transparency, fairness, and ethical standards in AI, we can create a future where humans and machines work in harmony, addressing global challenges and improving lives while preserving the essence of human agency.
SIKIRULLAH ABDUSSOMAD OLOSE
Information Technologist, and a Graduate from Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State.
