Artificial Intelligence is no longer a distant concept confined to science fiction. It is already shaping how we work, learn, communicate, and even understand ourselves. But as AI grows more powerful, we are left with a pressing question: is it enhancing our lives or quietly eroding it?
A couple of years ago we were seeing AI in its juvenile, less intrusive, shallow iteration. We were learning how to create images of a dolphin, riding a bike and eating a banana. We’re now waking up to the fact that AI can think for us, can communicate for us, can drive our cars, can write for us, can save us time and money. And people. And our communities, And our worth.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan of Ai where its integration can have a very positive impact in many aspects of life: it can be used to accelerate medical diagnosis and save lives – that’s pretty radical! It provides tools that can enhance accessibility for deaf and blind people. AI contributes to environmental science by monitoring and forecasting climate change; it can improve learning through personalised platforms. It can plan lessons, write essays, create a business strategy in seconds. Depending on which side of the desk you usually sit, it can be revolutionary. It has infinite possibilities. But can we trust it?
Are there no ends to its ability to take over our lives?
What scares me most is the answer. No ends.
I grew up in what could traditionally be described as a ‘normal’ 2.2 family in a neighbourhood where kids played together, mums and dads went out to work and socialised. I enjoyed school, had lots of friends; went to college and learned some of life’s biggest lessons.
And the most important lesson of all? We are a nation of people who thrive in communities; at work, at home, at play – everyone of us needs a purpose in life. To feel valued. To feel confident. To be able to communicate. To be comfortable in our own skin. To feel loved. We are social animals – that is how we thrive.
And that is why I have many fears of AI. How far will it go? Who is going to regulate its use? Who is in control? I fear its potential to be abused. I totally get that young techies are excited by its seemingly unrestrictive possibilities but at what cost to people? I’ve listened to the arguments that redundant workers will find new roles – but where? What is a motivating factor in the adoption of AI? Is it profit?
There are certain skills that AI can’t replace, at least not yet! Jobs requiring high-level creativity, emotional intelligence, complex physical dexterity, and critical ethical judgment, such as those in healthcare, skilled trades, education, the arts, and certain leadership roles, are least likely to be fully replaced by AI.
I believe humans belong in communities, communicating, playing their part, socialising, feeling valued. I don’t want advances in technology to rob us of the right to have purpose. I want it to enhance lives and conserve human purpose. Is that so hard?
Helen White – Director & Co-founder Marketing Stockport
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