Since its advent in the 20th century, computers have been a crucial part of our lives. Nevertheless, with each advancement in technology comes a population worrying over the possible risks, and others brushing it off as unfounded concerns. In my opinion, smarter computers will be of great benefit for mankind, though still comes with a number of possible drawbacks.
There are a number of potential downsides to cleverer machines. Firstly, there could be a decrease in human activities. If robots take care of chores and commute, the need to move one’s body will be reduced immensely, raising the risks of obesity and other health-related issues. Secondly, less job opportunities would be available if tasks like translation or data procession were to be taken care of by automated robots. Lastly, but most noticeably, concerns over the prospect that more intelligent systems could one day overthrow humanity are on the rise. AIs are getting better day by day and can possibly develop a conscious mind, worrying some that they will one day harbor ill feelings towards humans. Though once considered technophobia in the past, such distresses are understandable at the current rate of advancement.
Despite the aforemention concerns, having more advanced systems catering for human needs can certainly be seen as a positive development. With the rise of artificial intelligence, many aspects of life have been improved drastically. Improved convenience and efficiency is one such merit. Smart technology can help people automate routine tasks and control their environments. Furthermore, security and safety can be ensured with biometric authentication and real-time alerts. They can also increase accessibility through the use of voice assistants, home automation systems, etc. Human mistakes can also be prevented preemptively through machine intervention. These are just a few examples; With further research, life in the future could be even more comfortable.
In conclusion, by weighing the pros and cons of the two viewpoints, I believe that brighter computers will be a great aid to mankind. Nevertheless, they should still be utilized with precautions to ensure the most desirable outcome.