Technology has been developing since the early days of its existence. People have been using computers, telephones, and other devices, creating new technologies for humanity. From the beginning of the 21st century, something called Artificial Intelligence has been developing. We still don’t know how it will evolve, but I don’t think it will bring peace to humanity if we look at the way it’s going.
Artificial Intelligence is a new technology that is now being developed to help humanity in a few ways. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human learning, comprehension, problem-solving, decision-making, creativity, and autonomy. (1) AI is not only used to provide information; it is now used in real-life robots that are capable of moving like human beings and copying their actions. Additionally, some entertainment apps have been created using AI. New ways of creating “art” have also become possible with it. Even creating movies and short videos is now achievable with AI.
Nowadays, people have started to question AI’s presence and how it could affect their lives. Of course, AI was created to help people in a positive way, but isn’t it possible for AI to have negative consequences too?
AI’s ability to create images has divided the world in two. Artists, who have careers in drawing and who spend time and effort on their work, are now threatened by new AI-generated “artworks.” They protest that this isn’t real art. On the other hand, some people, who can now make money with a few clicks on their phones, defend AI-generated images and artworks, arguing that they still require effort (!). For me, I think it’s foolish to believe that something not made by a human can be considered “real art.” I’m not saying that real art is only created with a canvas or paper and pencils in real life—there are digital artists who use their devices to draw too—but I believe something created by AI should never be counted as real artwork. This argument creates division, not peace, and also jeopardizes the livelihoods of some people.
Another concern with AI is the ability to generate videos. The technology is not yet powerful enough to create realistic videos, but within a few years, this will likely be possible. By that time, people with bad intentions may misuse it. Imagine, for example, that there is a video of you on the internet—perhaps a video of you smoking cigarettes—and it is sent to your parents. How would you explain this to them? Would they believe you when they have what looks like solid evidence? This illustrates how the use of AI is becoming extremely dangerous and should be restricted. If we don’t want fake evidence and information to spread, we need to address this.
Additionally, in some AI apps, there is a higher likelihood of your information being stolen. I’m not saying that AI is programmed to steal information, but if you enter personal information into an AI system, that information will remain there forever. The same goes for essays or text you input into AI to check word counts or correct vocabulary mistakes—it’s stored and potentially vulnerable.
AI has also had negative impacts on people’s mental health. Entertainment apps powered by AI that can mimic human behavior and text like a human have become popular. These apps allow teenagers, loners, and others to interact artificially with their favorite fictional characters or idols. Sometimes, however, these apps can worsen depression or loneliness, dragging people into more serious situations like increased isolation, phone addiction, or becoming more introverted. In February 2024, a teenager from Florida committed suicide after becoming obsessed with an AI chatbot. This tragic incident shows that AI can seriously impact people and lead to dangerous outcomes.
Of course, AI is beneficial in many ways. It is an effective and fast way to provide information and automation. It helps significantly in healthcare, particularly in the diagnosis of diseases in hospitals and labs. In education, when used appropriately, AI supports both students and teachers. AI can also create solutions to people’s problems, inspiring them with new ideas and approaches.
In my opinion, the effects of AI depend on how it is used. I think its use should be restricted and regulated, and people shouldn’t be allowed to use it freely without a valid purpose. Most of the negative effects of AI stem from people with bad intentions misusing it or from individuals who don’t understand how or why to use it. By using AI correctly, we can create a world where only its positive effects are experienced.