From Internet Safety to AI Safety
Janpha Thadphoothon
Not long ago, we used to worry (and we still do) about dangers on the Internet. Now the game is changing and becoming more about the dangers of AI or artificial intelligence.
The Internet is full of minefields and traps. With social media, we are constantly being manipulated, often without even realizing it. Algorithms tailor content to keep us engaged, sometimes at the expense of our mental health and well-being. The spread of misinformation, cyberbullying, and addictive behaviors are just a few of the issues we face.
Internet Safety
Twenty years ago, kids in school had never even heard of the internet. Now, I'll bet you can't find a single person in your school who hasn't at least heard of it. In fact, many of us use it on a regular basis and even have access to it from our homes!
The 'net' in internet really stands for network. A network is two or more computers connected together so that information can be shared or sent from one computer to another. The internet is a vast resource for all types of information. You may enjoy using it to do research for a school project, downloading your favorite songs, or communicating with friends and family. Information is accessed through web pages that companies, organizations, and individuals create and post. It's kind of like a giant bulletin board that the whole world uses! But since anyone can put anything on the internet, you also have to be careful and use your best judgement and a little common sense.
Just because you read something on a piece of paper someone sticks on a bulletin board doesn't mean it's good information, or even correct, for that matter. So you have to be sure that whoever posted the information knows what they're talking about, especially if you're doing research! But what if you're just emailing people? You still have to be very careful. If you've never met the person that you're communicating with online, you could be on dangerous ground! You should never give out any personal information to someone you don't know, not even your name! And just like you can't believe the information on every website out there, you can't rely on what strangers you 'meet' on the internet tell you either. Just like you could make up things about yourself to tell someone, someone else could do the same to you!
Now. the coming of AI has changed the game.
AI Safety
Unlike traditional media influences, where children might learn violence and sexual content from newspapers or TV, now there's a new player in town: AI. Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a part of our daily lives, from virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa to more sophisticated systems that can predict our behaviors, recommend products, and even drive our cars. With this increased presence comes a new set of risks.
AI systems, while incredibly powerful, are not infallible. They can be biased, make mistakes, and sometimes be manipulated to produce harmful outcomes. One of the biggest concerns is privacy. AI systems often require vast amounts of data to function effectively, and this data can include personal information. If this data falls into the wrong hands, it can be used maliciously.
Moreover, AI can also perpetuate misinformation. Just like anyone can post anything on the internet, AI can be programmed or tricked into spreading false information. This can lead to the spread of fake news, which can have serious consequences.
Another major concern is the loss of jobs. As AI continues to evolve, it is becoming capable of performing tasks that were once the domain of humans. This could lead to significant job displacement in various sectors, leading to economic and social challenges.
When artificial intelligence falls into the hands of 'bad players,' the consequences can be dire. Malicious individuals or groups can use AI to create highly convincing fake news, deepfake videos, and other forms of deception that can mislead the public and cause real-world harm. AI can also be used to develop sophisticated cyber-attacks, making our online experiences even more perilous.
So, how can we navigate these new waters? Here are a few tips:
1. Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest developments in AI. Understanding how these technologies work and their potential risks can help you make more informed decisions.
2. Protect Your Data: Be cautious about the information you share online. Use strong, unique passwords for different accounts and enable two-factor authentication where possible.
3. Question the Source: Just like with internet safety, be skeptical of the information you encounter, especially if it seems too good to be true. Verify the source and cross-check with other reliable sources.
4. Advocate for Ethical AI: Support and advocate for the development and implementation of ethical AI guidelines and policies. This includes promoting transparency, accountability, and fairness in AI systems.
By taking these steps, we can better protect ourselves and navigate the complexities of our increasingly AI-driven world.
As we transition from worrying about internet safety to AI safety, it's essential to remain vigilant and proactive. The digital world is continuously evolving, and so must our understanding and approach to safety within it.
Janpha Thadphoothon is an assistant professor of ELT at the International College, Dhurakij Pundit University in Bangkok, Thailand. Janpha Thadphoothon also holds a certificate of Generative AI with Large Language Models issued by DeepLearning.AI.
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