“Technology opens up a world of possibilities. Tech innovations also reflect our God-given creativity. But like anything made by people, technology can also be used to spread misinformation, erode trust, and hurt others. In this article, Associate Professor of Computer Science Dr. Michael Kolta at Palm Beach Atlantic University considers how we can use artificial intelligence (AI) safely and responsibly.” — Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) President Dr. Debra A. Schwinn
“You use AI more than you think. Here’s why that matters.”
Some people think that AI became worth paying attention to, or even came into existence for the first time, with the introduction of ChatGPT in 2022. The truth is that the AI field originated in 1956 at the Dartmouth Summer Research Project on Artificial Intelligence.
When ChatGPT captured the world’s attention with its previously unheard-of capabilities, it marked the first time some people heard the phrase “artificial intelligence.” ChatGPT and similar agents are a small but important subset of this technology known as “generative AI,” which creates images, text, or other data based on inputs.
Many of us were using AI long before 2022. Digital assistants such as Alexa and Siri extensively use AI, and modern microchips have been designed with the help of AI since 1984. In other words, if you use any modern electronics, you are using AI.
So why does it matter? While AI can do some amazing, positive things, there are factors we need to be aware of when we use it.
Transparency
This refers to the understanding of how the AI system works. Most AI systems are not transparent. When an AI system gives an answer or suggestion, it typically does not tell us how it arrived at that conclusion. Furthermore, since many AI systems can “learn,” the values of many of the variables are constantly changing as the system is exposed to new information. Yet we routinely use AI for things such as driving directions, writing assistance, or riskier endeavors like determining the guilt or innocence of a suspect in court or performing a medical procedure.
Privacy
This refers to the right of the human to maintain their autonomy. Many people are aware that when we get driving directions from our phone, it can provide real-time traffic information. But how? When you install a driving app, you agree to some terms and conditions. Buried somewhere in those terms is an agreement to anonymously send the GPS coordinates of your phone to the Cloud, where it is shared with the software and other phones that use the driving app. The coordinates are continuously sent in the background so long as the phone is on and connected to the network. The reason the app has real-time traffic information is because everyone’s privacy is being subtly invaded, as long as they have the app on their phone.
Control
There is also the very real issue of control. It is one thing to get driving directions from our phone when we are driving. It is quite another for the car to drive itself—a technology that is becoming more common and will likely someday be the norm. In this scenario, we relinquish all control regarding our safety to an AI system. While one could look at the data and make a solid argument that AI drivers are safer than human drivers, current laws do not make it clear who is to be held accountable in the event of an accident that is caused by AI. Furthermore, AI has no emotions or empathy, so the concept of keeping humans safe is nothing more than a digital score.
The concern is not about the existence of AI. It is that we do not want to lose our humanity, independence, and free will to machines. It is not too late to enact change, though—here are some steps we can take:
1) Vote with usage. Research the organizations that make the software you use, and if you don’t like what they stand for, then don’t use their software. If enough people do this, software companies will be forced to respond.
2) Get involved in politics. Work to change the law. For example, Change.org has a list of over 200 AI related petitions that you can sign: https://www.change.org/topic/artificial-intelligence-en-us
3) Unplug. Take some time, on a regular basis, to disconnect from technology as much as possible. This is how I practice the Sabbath, a practice that is core to my faith and many other faiths around the world.
Through thoughtful reflection and intentional action, I believe it is possible to reap the benefits of AI while not losing our humanity in the process, but only if we act now.
Dr. Michael Kolta received his B.S. in industrial engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1998. He gained valuable experience in the field over several years and discovered his passion for teaching. He earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in computer science in 2007 and 2009, respectively, from the University at Albany, State University of New York. To learn more about Dr. Kolta’s work including his book Christian Ethics in Computers, Software, and Artificial Intelligence, visit https://www.pba.edu/directory/michael-kolta/.
