Second Post: AI should be embraced rather than feared

AI should be embraced rather than feared. There is far more to be gained than lost, and it is worth all the risk.

History

"What is intelligence?"-John McCarthy

The term "Artificial Intelligence", or "AI" was first coined by John McCarthy in 1956 when he held the first academic conference on the subject. Since then, the topic always played a leading role in academic researches. Due to its topicality, however, many who oppose the "rise of machines" actively presented their assertions.

Pros

Larry Page, CEO of Google, stated this: "Artificial intelligence would be the ultimate version of Google. The ultimate search engine that would understand everything on the web. It would understand exactly what you wanted, and it would give you the right thing. We're nowhere near doing that now. However, we can get incrementally closer to that, and that is basically what we work on." Supporters of Artificial Intelligence (including myself) usually bring up a point related to sustainable development in academic, practical fields.

Cons

“The development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race....It would take off on its own, and redesign itself at an ever increasing rate. Humans, who are limited by slow biological evolution, couldn't compete, and would be superseded.”-Stephen Hawking told the BBC

Big names (I mean REALLY BIG) have opposed the rise of machines for various reasons. Stephen Hawking, as aforementioned, stated that the development of AI could literally mean the end of the human race. Though this may sound too extreme, the reason he came up with is quite convincing. Others such as Elon Musk (Tesla CEO), Nick Bilton (tech columnist in the New York Times), and Bill Gates (Microsoft CEO) have also feared AI for similar reasons.

Thoughts

Even in the past, fear was what most people expressed in the first place when new technology appeared. Take the first appearance of a train, for example. Back in the early 19th century, people thought that trains would rip themselves apart due to its fast speed (It was only 30 miles per hour!). There is no difference in the introduction of AI. From Stanley Kubrick's 2001 Space Odyssey to Ridley Scott's Alien:Covenant, AI is considered to be a threat to humanity rather than a blessing.

What I believe is, however, fear is just a natural part of human perception. When faced with novel situations, it is natural to feel a sense of awe before excitement. However, after overcoming these frightening moments, what follows is far more worth than all the risk. Therefore, why fear technology? Embrace it.