Prudence, positivity, shared responsibility needed to embrace the future

The Whimsical Robot, a renowned Japanese science fiction work written by Shinichi Hoshi, tells the story of the wealthy Mr N, who buys "the best robot a human can own" from a scientist.

Initially pleased with the robot's diverse capabilities, which include cooking, cleaning and storytelling, Mr N soon encounters unexpected problems. The robot suddenly malfunctions and exhibits aggressive behavior.

When Mr N tries to return it, the scientist tells him that these erratic actions are deliberate and intended to discourage the owner from leading a sedentary lifestyle.

This story underscores the unforeseen consequences of relying on technology for convenience, emphasizing the significance of maintaining a balanced and active life.

Now, artificial intelligence, or AI, benefiting humans has become a reality, and the public can enjoy the benefits brought by AI.

In October, at the media center for the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, a booth showcased various AI technologies, attracting numerous journalists.

A camera was set up to capture images of visitors' faces and create entertaining videos. When a colleague stood in front of the camera, it captured her face from different angles, producing footage of her dressed in a traditional Chinese costume exploring the Great Wall and the Temple of Heaven.

We marveled at the advancement of AI, which allowed us to enter an imaginary world. However, at the same time, we became somewhat concerned about the development of this technology.

There has been an increase in AI deepfake scams in recent years. Deepfakes are videos and pictures created by using computer software, and they are almost indistinguishable from the genuine article.

The annual Identity Fraud Report by Sumsub, a full-cycle verification platform, shows that the number of deepfakes detected globally across all industries has grown tenfold since 2022.

In one case in May, a man from Inner Mongolia autonomous region in northern China lost 4.3 million yuan ($602,900) when an impersonator used AI-powered face-swapping technology to deceive him during a video call, pretending to be a friend requesting a transfer of funds.

Zhang Linghan, a professor at China University of Political Science and Law's Institute of Data Law in Beijing, said, "For the public, the most significant risk brought by the broad use of AI is deepfake.

"Relying on deep synthesis techniques, AI may be used to generate false information for illicit activities, as exemplified by prevalent face-swapping scams. The large-scale dissemination of AI-generated false information has the potential to not only infringe upon individuals' legal rights, but also to worsen the online ecosystem and pose risks of misleading the public."

For the public, it is crucial to maintain a prudent and positive outlook toward the AI age.

Being prudent entails approaching these changes with careful consideration, and understanding both the benefits and challenges AI brings. This encourages us to stay informed and evaluate the impact of AI in areas such as employment, privacy, and ethics.

Maintaining a positive attitude is equally important. The AI age offers opportunities for innovation, increased efficiency, and improved quality of life. It opens doors to new possibilities and solutions to longstanding problems. Adopting a positive mindset allows us to adapt to change effectively and seize the opportunities that arise.

Addressing the challenges posed by AI development also requires collective efforts from society as a whole. Businesses, organizations, and developers should prioritize ethical considerations in the design, development and deployment of AI.

Concerns regarding bias in current AI algorithms should be addressed and resolved. Hence, AI practitioners and regulators must invest in innovations that contribute to societal wellbeing and tackle pressing challenges, including discrimination and potential misuse of AI.

Globally, governments play a vital role in leading the healthy development of AI. Countries should foster international cooperation on AI governance to establish common standards and ethical guidelines.

Furthermore, collaboration in research and sharing best practices is essential for addressing global challenges and ensuring that AI benefits all of humanity.

Gary Marcus, an AI expert and professor emeritus at New York University, said, "We are at a critical moment in history where we can get this right and build the global governance we need." The decisions we make today will shape the trajectory of AI development and its impact on humanity, Marcus added.

With prudence, positivity and shared responsibility, we can navigate the AI age, embracing its opportunities while mitigating the challenges that lie ahead.

Contact the writers at liujianqiao@chinadaily.com.cn.