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Denise Harwood diagnoses an overheated computer processor at a Google data center. Such centers are proliferating as artificial intelligence and other computing becomes prevalent. There is an enormous upside to AI in expediting time-consuming tasks, but\u00a0we are entering unchartered waters and don\u2019t have the answers.<\/p>\n
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Google<\/p>\n
Texas State University graduate Emily Barrera of Houston hugs her aunt Wendy Mejia on May 14 after graduation ceremonies in San Marcos. Artificial intelligence cannot love or feel pain, joy and all the other emotional components that give genuine meaning to life.<\/p>\n
Jay Janner\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n
Hardly a day goes by when we don\u2019t hear about artificial intelligence.\u00a0The conversation ranges from AI\u2019s vast potential to its limitations and unknown consequences.<\/p>\n
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A summation from writer and podcaster Jacob Ward really resonated: \u201cAI systems are built by vacuuming up the worst and best of human behavior and recombining it into something that feels intelligent, emotional, and intimate.\u201d<\/p>\n
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He speaks from experience, having spent 20 years tracking tech power for NBC News, CNN, Al Jazeera and PBS.<\/p>\n
We have consistently benefited from innovations that have made life more convenient and enjoyable, ranging from the washing machine to the microwave oven to the cellphone.<\/p>\n
Certainly, there is an enormous upside to AI in expediting time-consuming tasks related to doing research, taking notes, organizing data and preparing drafts.<\/p>\n
COMMENTARY: Keep artificial intelligence out of U.S. classrooms<\/a><\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n At the same time, we are entering unchartered waters and don\u2019t have the answers to the potential reduction of jobs, the ethical implications, and the demeaning of human creativity, emotion and empathy.<\/p>\n AI enthusiasts brag that AI takes emotion out of decision-making. I challenge that so-called virtue.<\/p>\n One of the most profound challenges facing America is the growing intensity of division and polarization. Basic civility is at stake. We are forfeiting the capacity to enjoy mutually respectful conversations with those who hold different opinions.<\/p>\n American progress has been built on welcoming newcomers who bring with them different perspectives, backgrounds, experiences and approaches to problem-solving.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n AI points us in the direction of a single way and source of thinking, knowledge and answers. That is dangerous.<\/p>\n COMMENTARY: AI regulations are needed, but humanity has always been a threat to itself<\/a><\/p>\n Clearly, the jury is out on the potential and limitations of AI.<\/p>\n A timely example is whether you would ride in a self-driven or autonomous vehicle. Approximately 35 million are on the road right now. The consensus appears to be that most of us are getting closer to taking that ride but just aren\u2019t ready yet.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Let us never lose sight that emotion, not solely analytics and data, can and should play a huge role in our lives.<\/p>\n Consider the most important decisions that we make: The people, pets, values, priorities and needs we treasure are influenced as much, if not more so,\u00a0 by the heart than the brain.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s embrace every opportunity to adopt AI in becoming better informed and more judicious decision-makers, paving the way for a brighter, stronger and more socially just future.<\/p>\n