By John Spinelli
2023 has been described by many technology experts as the “Dawn of Artificial Intelligence,” due to the expansion of apps like ChatGPT, Art Generator and more. What exactly is artificial intelligence? According to the Oxford Dictionary, it is the ability for computers and machines to possess skills such as decision-making, visual or factual awareness, etc.
While some welcome it, many are debating its growing use, concerned AI could replace workers in jobs ranging from art design and marketing to truck driving, including workers in our own backyard in the Two River area.
“Artificial intelligence as a field of study has actually existed for many years,” explained Shrewsbury native Rolf Kamp, a specialist professor at the Monmouth University School of Computer Science and Software Engineering. “In 1950, a remote-controlled mouse was able to navigate a labyrinth and remember the course… (and) IBM’s Deep Blue defeated Gary Kasparov in chess in 1997.”
Kamp also noted many of us have been using AI multiple times a day for years; if you own an iPhone, the facial recognition program used to unlock the phone and make secure purchases is a form of artificial intelligence. Additionally, both Amazon’s Alexa and Apple’s Siri are applications powered by AI.
“We can regard AI in a very wide spectrum, ranging from machines that can make decisions to machines having the capability of human-like thought and understanding,” Kamp said. “We are living in the age of Big Data, where we can store and process enormous amounts of data. Algorithms allow machines to make conclusions or learn, giving us more personalized online retail experiences.”
Most people would agree that AI has improved society, Kamp said, “especially in areas of problem-solving and decision-making.”
But the idea that AI can lead to job loss is quite real. One component of both of the ongoing Writers Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists strikes focuses on the use of artificial intelligence in writing television shows and movies and digitally recreating actors’ images without paying them.
Kamp also warned of the technology being “close” to improving itself.
“Once this occurs, the ability to control AI might not be possible,” he explained. “Superintelligent AI can build defenses to prevent itself from being shut down and be able to replicate itself at an uncontrollable pace,” Kamp said, seemingly summarizing the plotline of every science fiction book and movie of the past two decades.
Even those intimately familiar with the technology warn of its dangers. “Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, which introduced ChatGPT in late 2022, calls regulation of AI… crucial,” Kamp said.
The issue of AI has put politicians on alert as well. U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone (D-6) has been a member of bipartisan hearings on the potential dangers of AI to the economy and national security.
In a release July 12, Pallone discussed H.R. 3369, the Artificial Intelligence Accountability Act. The legislation directs the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to “assess the degree to which AI systems are accountable to consumers and what measures are needed to reduce the risks surrounding them.”
“While AI systems offer enormous potential, it is imperative that we have the tools to ensure they are designed with consumers in mind and to hold them accountable when they are not,” Pallone added.
Middletown resident Joe Schondel, 26, a packaging graphic designer, is unsure if AI could potentially take over his industry.
“At the moment, no. But I think it’s still too early to tell. Regarding replacing me and what I do – it’s not there yet,” Schondel said.
“Designers are trained and have a slew of skill sets that AI just doesn’t possess yet.”
However, he did not rule out AI’s abilities in the coming years. “The tech is growing fast so it’s silly to assume that it can’t happen. But if designers stay competitive and learn to grow with it, I feel it can be a good thing.”
The article originally appeared in the July 27 – August 2, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
