AI-based solutions are becoming increasingly popular tools for private and professional activities. While their development and influence is often compared to creation of the internet, their influence is not always positive. In this essay I will try to provide advantages and disadvantages of the use of AI and argue that the truth may not be as colorful as it seems.
To begin with, Artificial Intelligence can improve the way in which we work. With it being able to handle the most tedious and boring tasks, it allows us to focus on the real issues, fully deploying our problem solving skills where they are needed the most. For example, while the AI agents are in charge of fixing minor mistakes in hundreds of pages of the report, we can direct our attention to ensure that the text captures the most crucial aspects which are necessary for the project to be accepted.
On the other hand, if implemented inappropriately, it can lead to an increase in workload while the output will remain at the same level. It negatively influences the way we approach our everyday tasks. Instead of feeling a sense of accomplishment after finishing a significant task, we are focused on criticising AI agents for their poor performance.
Moreover, a number of recent studies proved that frequent use of AI to assist in our tasks directly influences our problem solving capabilities. Before large language models were introduced, in order to find answers to our questions we needed to actively search for them and thus learn how to patiently identify the correct sources and filter out wrong answers. Currently, however, all it takes to get the answer is to ask the LLM. The study shows that over time, this simplification negatively influences our resilience and ability to recognize valuable information.
To summarize, Artificial Intelligence is certainly a promising technology that can improve our lives, however it still requires time and research in order to integrate it appropriately. In my opinion, at the current stage of development, AI can cause mostly negative effects on our lives, from decreasing our engagement at work to directly influencing our mindsets.