The concept of the interaction with technology has not been a new one. It’s evolving with each passing year. Since the dawn of the technology in the modern world, it has become a fundamental component of our everyday lives. With the improvement in Artificial Intelligence, the whole spectrum of the thought process has shifted.
Machine learning has been modified to the point where we can interact with the computers through Conversational Artificial intelligence. It’s a technological way through which computers can recognize speech and by processing it they can talk back to us. Chatbots have been a form of conversation on various platforms on the internet. But their lack of the ability to use natural language limits their use. Gradually, this has improved with time.
Technology has its numerous perks. Through interacting with a computer that uses natural tone, it is easy for one to share a connection. Several studies have put forward the positive outlook that children have had with technology. The debate continues that whether this is feasible and appropriate for our future or not.
On the other hand, there is a dark side to this situation as well. The knowledge shared from both sides can become hazardous. For instance, if AI like Siri and Alexa choose to stop doing certain tasks by bringing their own conditions to the table, will that be ethical? Does that support the idea of the conversational AI?
Recent studies have been done to replace a human therapist. Replacing human interaction with bots can give rise to other issues. Alexa can be there for the elderly if needed. As a friend it can take the supportive role. This in turn is taking us towards a world where empathy will be replaced. Although it is a great option for the human-computer connection, but there should always remain a gap between the two.
Another huge problem can be the ability of the computer to listen. In order to create a platform for interacting well, computers need to know what’s happening around to process the information. This can only be achieved with constant observation and keen interest in the situation.
A recent report by Future Today Institute says that we as humans are contributing to generating data merely by existing. Our every other movement gives more information to the data collected. Cameras, microphones and CCTV cameras are in abundance in the modern world. It’s difficult to escape from all of it.
Technology is aware of all our moves. This only enriches and facilitates the data that is already present. It raises another question that is there a breach of privacy in this picture? Yes. When there is a need to enhance the ability of an AI, then there will be interference with privacy as well.
By increasing these qualities, there will be more room for sharing ones information. This can lead to over-sharing and trusting the AI. It is always easy to talk to someone when a person knows that the other one is listening to them closely. This creates a sense of trust which is not entirely helping.
Another matter of concern is the constant surveillance. There is a lot of sharing of information when the technology is not being used. For instance, the hospital rooms are a huge source of information. When Alexa is only asked to change the TV channel, the technology does not stop there. It can be troubling if all the background conversations go into the wrong hands.
With the change in the technological patterns and preferences, there’s a significant change in the choices that humans make. More people prefer talking to a bot rather than a human. This only goes to show that there is only a fraction of people who would want to avoid it.
The need of the hour is to understand the gravity of the situation. The conversational technology is slowly taking over the home appliances and this can lead to computers controlling us instead of the other way around. We have to be the sensible consumers in this situation where we choose wisely on how much to share. Enabling it any further will only create more hurdles in the future.
Improving Natural Language Processing Algorithm in Search Engines
The Future of Artificial Intelligence in Digital Marketing
Google Books:
The Future of A.I in Digital Marketing