Artificial intelligence (AI) seems to be the next big thing in our society. However, some people misunderstand what AI is truly supposed to be doing for humanity.
Some think that artificial intelligence is there to handle simple and sometimes complex tasks. Others feel that AI can handle every job and task that humans do.
Edge contributor William Tucker contends that AI can perform tasks through the use of robots and complete work that was previously done by humans. We also have to remember that the goal of artificial intelligence is to complete tasks faster and better for the convenience of humans.
Are All Jobs the Same?
However, it’s essential to understand the specific jobs might be a fit for AI. While it might seem that all jobs could be performed by artificial intelligence, there are some tasks where AI would not be a fit.
For example, my son works at a restaurant, and his main job is washing dishes. While AI and robots could possibly assist him, there are situations in that type of job where AI would struggle.
One example would be a severely messy serving dish or cooking pan that might not get clean by the use of computer-powered equipment. This type of item might need to be cleaned by hand or even recleaned if needed.
His need to wash items quickly and efficiently might be hampered if AI was not a positive resource for him but actually had a negative effect instead.
AI Tools and Talent Acquisition
Another job that might be challenging for AI would be finding talented workers for an organization. Certainly, an artificial intelligence tool can quickly search through a database of job applicants and help a company to find the most qualified applicants.
However, AI might not be able to see some aspects of each applicant’s talents, and not every talent humans have can be effectively communicated within a resume or LinkedIn profile. For example, AI might perceive that someone has the right skills for a particular job, but it can’t detect employee dedication or willingness to be a team player.
Indian scholars Rajasshirie Pillai and Brijesh Sivathanu state that AI might have other limitations when used for talent acquisition in certain organizations. For instance, artificial intelligence’s effectiveness is dependent upon the instructions given to it or its ability to apply its knowledge to certain situations.
Is Trust a Factor with Artificial Intelligence?
Another issue for AI is trust. Some people might trust AI in regard to what it is and what it does for humans. Others might not have any trust for artificial intelligence, simply do not understand it or fear it.
Swedish scholar Mark Ryan states that trust is very important to how we think and function. He further argues that trust issues regarding AI often relate to accountability and responsibility. Because AI is non-human, it does not really have to be accountable or responsible but is instead seen as a tool.
Sadly, the news media and movie industry have often depicted artificial intelligence or its usage in a negative light. For instance, AI has been the villain in movies such as “2001: A Space Odyssey” and “I, Robot,” rather than being depicted as a neutral tool.
Remember the Real Goal for Artificial Intelligence
We have to remember that artificial intelligence should be making our world better. AI tools can be taught to do jobs for us more quickly and more effectively.
If we tell AI to perform work that it is not well equipped to handle, the result might be a negative experience instead of a positive one.
AI is an excellent tool, but we have all seen scenarios where a good tool was used in the wrong way with a negative result. To use artificial intelligence properly, we need to use AI in situations where it can perform jobs efficiently and save humans time and money.
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