Living in the Age of AI

PBS Frontline’s documentary In the Age of AI explores how artificial intelligence transforms our world. The documentary shows how AI is already a massive part of our lives, even if we don't realize it. From facial recognition to targeted ads, it explains the good and bad of this technology. Watching this movie made me think about how much AI impacts us and what that might mean for the future. 

What I Learned

One of the most surprising things I learned was how much AI is involved in our daily lives. I was not aware that big companies like Google and Facebook use AI to collect massive amounts of personal data so they can target ads to us to make more money. While this can also make online shopping easier, it also means they know a lot about us, sometimes more than we even realize.

Key Takeaways 

AI has benefits but also risks. While AI can do amazing things, like helping doctors find new treatments or solving environmental problems by analyzing huge amounts of data, it can also be used for harmful things, like tracking people’s movements or invading our privacy. AI allows companies to collect data on everything we do, what we buy, where we go, and even what we say. This can feel like an invasion of privacy, mainly when this data is used to make money or monitor us without our knowledge.

What Surprised and Frightened Me

I was shocked to learn how much control big companies have over AI and the data it collects. These companies hold a lot of power, which can lead to problems like less transparency and the misuse of people's personal information.

I was also very concerned about the job losses; as more jobs are replaced by machines, it's worrying to think about how this could impact families and communities in the long run.

Privacy: Pros and Cons

One of the biggest takeaways from the documentary is how AI affects privacy. On the positive side, AI can make life more convenient. For example, targeted ads can save time by showing us products we might actually want. AI can also help with traffic navigation or finding lost devices by tracking locations.

However, the downside is much worse. Companies and governments gather a lot of personal information about us using AI. The documentary refers to this as surveillance capitalism, which is a significant concern. Everything from what we buy to where we go and even what we say is being recorded. 

On the positive side, AI helps detect and prevent cyberattacks. It can also analyze patterns to predict threats, making national defense systems smarter and faster. AI has also made it easier to improve security by creating stronger encryption systems and detecting fraud. For example, banks use AI to monitor transactions and catch suspicious activity before it becomes a problem. At the same time, AI also makes identity theft more dangerous. Hackers can use AI to create fake profiles or even mimic your loved ones' voices. The amount of personal data and AI’s ability to use it can make it easier for cybercriminals to target individuals.