Artificial intelligence, often abbreviated as AI, continues to gain popularity. AI is usually regarded as a system’s ability to perform tasks which would normally require human characteristics.

Great minds have criticized the rise and development of artificial intelligence because of its potential. AI is still developing, but there are examples of machines doing human-like tasks, such as producing music, writing, and speaking coherently.

The most popular theory is that AI will outpace human development and will result in the extinction of humanity.

If that does not seem feasible, consider this: GO is a very challenging board game requiring personal opinion and creativity about possible outcomes (rather than a set “best” which can be achieved in chess), and Google’s AlphaGO (AI) managed to beat the world’s best GO player in four out of five games.

The overall idea of machines being able to reject commands and learn on their own terrifies many people. Though, it is not fair to assume that artificial intelligence will only lead to the downfall of humanity; there are benefits as well.

Unlike humans, AI machines can perform actions consistently without fatigue, thus increase the quality of life for many individuals; especially alongside the rise of self-driving cars.

The use of artificial intelligence can apply best in the psychiatric field. People who struggle to open up about issues to a real person may find it easier to express their thoughts to a non-human presence who can give feedback—AI.

Humans, in particular psychiatrists, have their limitations, cognitive and memory-wise. Even experts fail to put aside their personal perspectives when interacting with patients so artificial intelligence would provide an open door to achieve a more coherent form of communication.

How does AI development impact politics? Would artificial intelligence simply be another human failure as different AI’s form their own opinions?  

Regardless, as society shifts to a more technological lifestyle, more controversial scientific ideas emerge. There is no way to determine the practicality of artificial intelligence aside from actually implementing it—which is decades away.

– Fernando Soto