Artificial Intelligence Can’t Deal With This Yet

Just finished reading an article about the furore surrounding the shortcomings of artificial intelligence.

The article referred back to an IOS autocorrect feature that in 2017 came in for criticism for suggesting a male emoji when the term “CEO” was keyed in.

Which means someone’s biases or viewpoint was encoded into the programming.

But putting aside inherent biases people may have, the story raises a bigger issue for the future.

How do we encode culture into artificial intelligence?

When talking of AI, everyone seems to think that the end-game is to create an algorithm that provides the best answer based on the data available, for a particular situation.

But what if the best answer, based purely on the data available, doesn’t accord with the prevailing cultural viewpoint at the time?

Or the ethical viewpoint?

Or political viewpoint?

In essence, it becomes a question similar to the “Trolley Problem” (look it up).

So should we expect situations in future where the best possible answer, based on data, is overridden due to emotional and rhetorical stances?

If so, what’s the point of having artificial intelligence if it’s simply going to be overridden?

I’ve no doubt that in time, issues such as this will be worked-out, one way or another.

But for now, it’s just another reason why artificial intelligence and machine-learning have some way to go before they replace us entirely.

Want to deal with business issues the proven way (i.e. by people talking to each other)?

Then over-ride the data and make a bee-line to www.sculptaccountants.com.au/contact/ and arrange a time for us to chat.

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Until next time.

Please Note: These articles are provided for education purposes only and should not be construed as specific advice. Always seek professional advice in relation to your personal and business circumstances.