OPINION:
I must admit that I fell for the campaign against data centers based on claims of heavy water and electricity use. As it turns out, those claims have been overblown and, where valid, are being addressed.
While I still believe that there are many dangers associated with over-reliance on artificial intelligence, one can’t deny that its benefits are already abundant. The advances that AI is making in medicine are truly breathtaking, while advances in science and manufacturing are speeding up processes, reducing costs and eliminating tedious labor.
It’s also becoming apparent that the fear about AI destroying jobs was greatly exaggerated. While some jobs will be replaced by AI, the technology will generate far more jobs than it destroys.
Meanwhile, communities that permit construction of data centers are being financially rewarded on a scope that allows for cutting taxes and increasing benefits for both workers and town residents.
As many have noted, AI is truly the next industrial revolution. At this point, opposition is moot. The genie is out of the bottle.
While we do need to some oversight of AI’s development, we must beware of ceding that oversight either to Big Tech or the government. Big Tech is driven by profit and government over-regulates, stifling competition and driving up cost.
The biggest threat of AI is a further erosion of our privacy, as AI is capable of eventually breaking any password. We will also likely see a rise in cyber fraud, as well as in “denial of service” attacks. In addition, so-called “deep fakes” are daily getting more difficult to catch.
We must all become more diligent with our computer and phone safety habits, especially where young children and/or the elderly are concerned. Having to use two- or three-factor authentication to access a website or app or having to complete a test to make sure you’re a “human” is now a permanent part of our online life.
Although annoying, these processes are crucial to maintaining our privacy and retaining our access to favorite sites.
It is critical that the United States maintains its AI leadership position. America’s enemies cannot be allowed to gaining dominance in this field.
Knightdale, North Carolina
Please read our comment policy before commenting.