By Okai Emmanuella Abena Nyarkoaa (Level 300 student journalist of UniMAC-GIJ
In the digital age era, where there is advancement of technology to a higher extent, like the introduction and usage of Artificial Intelligence, which in its short form is known as AI, there is a need to educate and inculcate into the people the relevance of such new inventions in our society.
Some people in the Ghanaian society will be wondering what is the fuss about artificial intelligence and why do people feel threatened by it even though their concerns are valid.
However, artificial intelligence is the ability of a machine to display human-like capabilities such as reasoning, learning, planning, and creativity.
AI also enables technical systems to perceive their environment, deal with what they perceive, solve problems, and act to achieve a specific goal. The computer receives data, either already prepared or gathered through its own sensors, such as a camera, processes it, and responds.
Concerns About Artificial Intelligence
There have been more focused discussions about the negative effect the artificial intelligence will have on humankind, such as
Job Displacement: One of the most common concerns is that AI and automation might replace human workers in various industries. As AI technology advances, there is a fear that machines could perform tasks more efficiently and accurately than humans, leading to job losses and economic disruption.
Existential Risk: Some individuals fear that advanced AI could become so intelligent and powerful that it might surpass human intelligence, potentially leading to scenarios where AI takes actions that are harmful to humanity.
These concerns create a gap for people not paying much attention to the positive effects. And this baffles me because there is nothing on earth that doesn’t have a positive and negative effect. Even the medicine you take when sick can give you an allergic reaction.
Research has shown that there are over two hundred artificial intelligence tools that cut across every aspect of our society, from healthcare, economics, education, entertainment, and many others, that can help make our work easier.
Positive Effects of Artificial Intelligence In Education
AI provides the advantage of organized information, allowing students to access knowledge from various sources effortlessly. With AI-powered systems, educational platforms can efficiently categorize and present information, enabling students to find relevant resources quickly and enhancing their learning experiences. One of the AI tools that helps students enhance their studies effectively and efficiently is CHATGPT. The AI tool CHATGPT is designed for research, and it is being used to create intelligent tutoring systems capable of providing personalized assistance to students. ChatGPT only responds to logical questions from every aspect of life except emotional questions. The concern that CHATGPT will discourage students from learning is not true because CHATGPT is there to help, not destroy. However, it gives students various information that broadens their knowledge.
Relevance Of Artificial Intelligence In Healthcare
Artificial intelligence is becoming the genesis of the day, and it is up to health professionals to also inculcate or embrace such advancements in healthcare delivery. AI in healthcare can help healthcare providers with various administrative and patient care tasks, enabling them to improve existing solutions and address challenges faster. Also, there is the invention of embedded AI robots that are being entrusted with the task of performing radiology and cardiology to pacify the process. In the future, radiologists and cardiologists will only look for areas where human supervision is necessary. However, AI can streamline the process when performing CT scans and X-rays, analysing evidence, and doing other mundane tasks like data entry. When these practices are embedded in our healthcare system, they will facilitate easier healthcare delivery.
Legislation To Regulate Artificial Intelligence In Ghana
During discussions on the floor of Parliament on 8th June, 2023, some members of parliament proposed legislation to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in the country.
According to them, there are several benefits that come with using artificial intelligence, but there is a need to regulate the application of such technology in a manner that is with appropriate.
Even though this article has spelled out the relevance and positive aspects of artificial intelligence, we should note that there is a need to regulate its use so as to avoid future repercussions and debunk the expectation of human extinction if it is not regulated. Moreover, regulation of the AI will prevent terrorists from using it as a mass destruction weapon against humankind. Countries that use AI, like the USA, Spain, Canada, and Germany, have implemented regulation. The U.S.A. led the push for regulation, passing nine laws, followed by Spain with five and the Philippines with four. Legislative bodies in 127 countries passed AI-related laws in 2022. The European Commission proposed draft rules for an AI Act nearly two years ago.
I believe if we embrace AI now, it will prepare us for what the future holds for us.
