Ann Arbor, MI – As the buzz around ChatGPT and other large language models dominates headlines, six experts from the University of Michigan shed light on the enduring presence of artificial intelligence (AI) in our lives. In a discussion led by Kate McAlpine, these experts provide insights into the historical trajectory of AI, its current applications, and the anticipated challenges and promises for the future.
Contrary to popular perception, AI extends beyond chatbots. Maggie Makar, Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Engineering, delves into the realm of predictive models that encode cause-and-effect relationships. Meanwhile, Joyce Chai, Professor of Computer Science and Engineering, focuses on building robotic systems capable of understanding and responding to natural language. Rada Mihalcea, the Janice M. Jenkins Collegiate Professor of Computer Science and Engineering, directs her efforts toward designing AI to assist human workers, emphasizing projects like providing feedback to counselors.
The promise of AI in assisting with both physical and cognitive tasks is discussed by the experts. From enhancing productivity to identifying corporate wrongdoing, AI holds the potential to revolutionize various aspects of our lives.
However, Shobita Parthasarathy, Director of the Science, Technology, and Public Policy Program, highlights the inherent risks of AI absorbing societal biases. She stresses the urgency of regulatory measures to prevent biased AI from creating barriers for marginalized groups. Nikola Banovic, Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Engineering, warns against overlooking the real-time consequences of AI algorithms, such as radicalization and civil unrest fueled by social media platforms.
According to Michael Wellman, the Richard H. Orenstein Division Chair of Computer Science and Engineering, and Lynn A. Conway Collegiate Professor of Computer Science and Engineering, our existing legal framework isn’t equipped to address the challenges posed by AI. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in our lives, new questions emerge about accountability, responsibility, and the legal implications of AI actions.
The experts collectively argue that the current challenges of AI extend beyond the speculative threats of sentient computers and killer robots. Instead, they emphasize the pressing need to grapple with the tangible consequences of AI’s impact on societal dynamics, urging a proactive approach from regulators, policymakers, and society at large.
As AI continues its pervasive growth, these perspectives from the field provide a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted role of AI in society and the imperative to navigate its complexities responsibly.
