Artificial Intelligence has been a part of our lives for longer than we often give credit to. The birth of AI dates back to 1950.
Mathematician and computer genius Alan Turing published Computer Machinery and Intelligence in 1950 which proposed a test of machine intelligence called The Imitation Game.
In 1952, another computer scientist named Arthur Samuel developed a digital program to play checkers. It is recognized as the first of its kind to learn to play a game independently.
Fast forward to the present, AI is more convincing, comprehensive and depended upon than ever. It’s beyond something that compliments and automates our lives. It now can think for us.
Ethan Mollick’s book, Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI, confronts the reality of AI with insights on how we can co-exist with it to enhance society.
Mollick tackles very real and valid concerns around AI, how we can stay critical and harness its capabilities.
Here are 5 key takeaways:
1. Co-intelligence
Co-working was a dominant buzz word only a few years ago. Now, Mollick has introduced the concept of co-intelligence.
He defines it as the collaborative effort between humans and intelligent systems to elevate decision-making and problem-solving. This relationship is enduring and has been evolving since the 1950s.
Mollick uses multiple case studies and real-world examples of how co-intelligent systems have significantly enhanced workplace progress, from automated customer service systems to AI-driven diagnostic tools.
It’s a solid reminder that AI isn’t just chatGPT or deep fake content online. It’s highly diverse and multi-functional.
2. The versatility of AI
AI is highly adaptable and plays valuable, transformative roles across various industries.
Across all industries, AI is rapidly improving efficiency and decision-making. Many companies successfully use AI systems for data analysis and customer engagement, leading to increased profits.
For example, John Deere is a pioneer in inmplementing AI in agriculture. Ai precision technologies has helped farmers distinguishe crops from weeds — and analyze field conditions to make real-time adjustments to planting or harvesting (Harvard Business School).
3. AI & Healthcare
AI is now integral to healthcare systems around the world. From booking systems, diagnostic accuracy, and treatment planning, AI is profoundly reshaping patient care.
Already, AI tools are already supporting early disease detection, optimizing resource allocation, and automating administrative tasks. This can help free up clinician’s time to dedicate to patient care.
In addition, AI is assisting in complex areas such as surgical planning, drug discovery, and remote patient monitoring.
Mollick makes it clear that issues around compliance, privacy and technical difficults can also hinder healthcare. Co-intelligent systems aren’t perfect. However, they have proven extremely beneficial in this sphere.
4. Ethics & Biases
As with any form of digital technology, ethics are a point of contention, especially when handling volumes such highly sensitive personal data.
It’s not secret that our personal data is harvested and sold on a regular basis. Hackers and scammers are also becoming increasingly proficient in collecting sensitive user information (ironically, with the use of AI as well).
Regulating bodies over AI are struggling to keep up with the rapid pace it is evolving on a daily basis. Creating concrete laws and policies around the use of AI is clunky and cumbersome.
AI is also not free from discrimination. Programs can easily be built to favour people of specific demographics, creating broken systems that unfairly deprioritize people belonging to minority groups.
Unfortunately, the same thing can happen with educational content and training programs. Critical information can be left out and favour those with systemic privilege, perpetuating inequality.
5. Co-dependency
Co-intelligence is different co-dependency. The former is about working with AI to create incredible systems and results. The latter is an unhealthy attachment to AI where it replaces critical and creative autonomy.
A recent MIT study found that chronic ChatGPT users had the lowest brain engagement and “consistently underperformed at neural, linguistic, and behavioural levels” in comparison to non-users.
Over several months during the study, ChatGPT users “got lazier with each subsequent essay, often resorting to copy-and-paste by the end of the study” (TIME).
Mollick warns against excessive reliance on AI, emphasizing the need to balance human intuition with AI programming.
He stresses that this balance is essential for preserving and nurturing our critical thinking and decision-making skills.
For discover more of Mollick’s tools and insights, click here.
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