STS 1 - Paper On AI Technology
STS 1 - Paper On AI Technology
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly evolved from a niche area of research to a
cornerstone of modern technology, fundamentally reshaping how we interact with the world
around us. At its core, AI is about enabling machines to mimic cognitive functions such as
learning, reasoning, and problem-solving—similar to human intelligence. According to Tai
(2020), this technology encompasses a wide range of definitions but is generally viewed as
systems that can learn from data, adapt to new inputs, and perform tasks that typically
require
human intelligence. The applications of AI are becoming increasingly widespread, from
voice-activated personal assistants to advanced algorithms powering search engines. There
are primarily two types of AI: weak AI, which is designed for specific tasks, and strong AI or
artificial general intelligence (AGI), which aspires to replicate human-like cognitive
capabilities. The advancement of AI technology has significant implications for various
sectors—notably enhancing efficiency and convenience but also raising ethical and social
concerns that demand our attention.
The potential of AI to impact society is immense, but it comes with both advantages
and disadvantages. On the one hand, AI has the potential to revolutionize sectors like
healthcare, education, and public safety. For instance, in healthcare, AI algorithms can
analyze vast amounts of medical data to identify patterns, leading to earlier diagnoses and
more personalized treatment plans. As noted by Smeds et al. (2023), AI tools can
significantly streamline the writing process in medical research, saving authors time and
effort by generating coherent and structured text, which is particularly beneficial for
complex
technical writing. AI-driven applications—such as ChatGPT—help researchers generate
clearer summaries and more accurate metadata; this makes complex findings easier for the
general public to understand and promotes collaboration across various research fields
(Lund
et al., 2023). Moreover, AI can significantly enhance public safety by improving crime
prediction and response times, thereby fostering safer communities. Research by Federspiel
et al. (2023) demonstrates that AI technologies play a crucial role in crime prevention
strategies by analyzing patterns and trends in criminal activity. This analytical capability
allows for more effective resource allocation for law enforcement agencies, ultimately
leading to improved community safety.
The influence of AI on job markets also raises significant concerns about workforce
dynamics and the future of employment. While AI can enhance productivity, it also poses
risks to employment, particularly for low-skilled workers whose tasks are more easily
automated. As Ahmad et al. (2023) point out, the convenience offered by AI technologies
may lead individuals to rely too heavily on these systems, resulting in a decline in critical
thinking and decision-making skills. This trend is particularly concerning in educational
settings, where over-reliance on AI tools could hinder student engagement and
creativity—skills that are essential for success in the evolving job market. Moreover, as
organizations adopt AI for strategic decision-making, human roles in these processes may be
diminished, raising questions about the balance between human oversight and automation.
Prominent figures like Elon Musk and Stephen Hawking have also voiced fears that advanced
AI could become uncontrollable, complicating its role in sustainable value creation and
reducing human oversight. This over-reliance on AI tools can undermine intuitive analysis
and creative problem-solving capabilities, leading to a passive attitude toward challenges.
automate administrative tasks, freeing educators to focus more on teaching and mentoring
students. For example, intelligent tutoring systems can adjust their approach based on a
student's performance, providing tailored support that aligns with individual learning styles.
This capability not only fosters student engagement but also improves educational
outcomes
by addressing learning gaps more effectively. Moreover, AI has significantly transformed
education by facilitating innovative teaching methods, such as virtual simulations and
intelligent tutoring systems, which enhance student engagement and critical thinking. This
evolution is exemplified by key milestones, including the introduction of Learning
Management Systems (LMS) and the recent emergence of advanced AI technologies like
ChatGPT (Adiguzel et al., 2023).
Looking toward the future, the potential trends in AI technology are both promising
and intimidating. The ongoing development of AI systems may lead to significant changes in
society, including improved efficiency and accessibility in various sectors. However, these
advancements also come with risks that must be managed carefully. One emerging trend is
the growing reliance on AI to make decisions across various sectors, including healthcare,
education, and entertainment. While this can lead to improved efficiency and reduced
human
error, it raises ethical concerns regarding accountability and transparency. As noted by
Ahmad et al. (2023), as organizations increasingly turn to AI for strategic decision-making,
the risk of losing human insight and intuition becomes more pronounced. Moreover, the
potential for AI technologies to aggravate existing societal inequalities presents a troubling
scenario, where the benefits of AI advancements are not equitably shared. This situation
could lead to a society where a small group of individuals or organizations benefits
significantly from AI, while many others are left behind, leading to greater disparities in
wealth and opportunity.
These regulatory frameworks are equally important in academia, where AI tools like
ChatGPT are seen as disruptive innovations with the potential to transform scholarly
publishing and education. By automating tasks such as essay writing and manuscript
preparation, AI offers significant efficiencies, but its use also raises ethical concerns. For
instance, while AI can assist editors by automating repetitive tasks like correcting
grammatical errors, it does not replace human judgment—especially in ensuring the quality,
transparency, and reproducibility of research. As academia increasingly integrates AI, clear
guidelines must be in place to govern its use, ensuring that AI-generated content is properly
credited and evaluated for accuracy. These regulations are crucial to maintaining the
integrity
of academic work, preserving the critical thinking, creativity, and expertise that human
authors contribute.