In today’s ever-changing technological landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) is often glorified and presented as a kind of all-knowing and life-saving oracle. However, behind this idealized image lie more complex and sometimes worrying realities.
The great advances in AI are generating a certain excitement, and many actors, whether private, governmental or individual, are using these technologies to solve various problems, whether new or old. These technologies are often attributed a form of omniscience, capable of “knowing” everything that needs to be known, and even more.
A glaring example of these advances is the use of ChatGPT, a language model developed by OpenAI. The latter is often requested by university students to help them write their research papers or assignments. However, this use can sometimes be problematic, as users tend to blindly trust this technology which can produce textual content in a very human-like, but not error-free, manner.
The use of AI-based tools presents risks, particularly in terms of bias and discrimination. These technologies can embed unintentional biases that can result in erroneous or discriminatory conclusions. For example, AI-based systems have been criticized for their propensity to perpetuate racist or sexist stereotypes, as in the case where an AI system used in the US justice system was accused of discriminating against African Americans by considering them more likely to commit crimes.
In addition, cases have come to light where AI technologies have reproduced gender discrimination, such as the case where Amazon’s recruitment system automatically rejected female applicants. These examples highlight the complexity of the issues related to AI and highlight the challenges of using these technologies in sensitive areas such as justice or employment.
It is essential to be aware of these issues and to ensure that AI-based technologies are developed and used ethically and responsibly. Addressing bias and discrimination in these systems must be a priority, to ensure that AI truly contributes to the progress of society without perpetuating the injustices of the past.
In conclusion, while AI offers many opportunities and promises, it is crucial to remain vigilant about its ethical and social implications. By adopting a critical and thoughtful approach, it is possible to make the most of these technologies while ensuring that they respect the fundamental values of justice and fairness.The future of AI depends on how we choose to use it, and it is our responsibility to ensure that it serves the common good and well-being of all.