How do you feel about the rise of artificial intelligence?
On one hand the benefits are enormous, ranging from streamlining, saving time, faster decision-making, and automating repetitive tasks. But on the flip side, AI can be costly to implement, not to mention potential job losses, and an inherent lack of emotion and creativity.
Over the past year or so, chances are you’ve had conversations with friends, family, and colleagues about not only the huge potential of AI but perhaps also the fear that often accompanies such groundbreaking technology. Many voters are afraid AI-fuelled fake news could even threaten the next general election.
As global and tech leaders gather at Bletchley Park, Bucks, for the world’s first Artificial Intelligence safety summit, research shows the spread of fake news is the public’s main fear over the technology. It topped concerns with 67 per cent saying it was their biggest worry over AI, followed by the lack of human creativity and judgment on 63 per cent, and human job losses on 61 per cent, according to a OnePoll study of 2,000 British adults for News Media Association and Newsworks (NMA).
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Meanwhile, a YouGov survey of editors and MPs by the NMA shows three quarters of the 110 quizzed MPs quizzed agree that trusted journalism created by news publishers is critical in minimising the risk of misinformation ahead of next year’s general election. Some 97 per cent of 30 editors polled said the risk to the public from AI-generated misinformation is greater than ever.
Hailing the findings, published during Journalism Matters week, Media Minister Sir John Whittingdale said: “At a time when AI can rapidly fuel the spread of fake news, trusted journalism has never been more important. We are in ongoing discussions with news industry leaders on the steps we can take to protect journalism from the risks of AI while harnessing its benefits, and through the UK’s upcoming AI Safety Summit we are working to encourage global cooperation on the responsible use of this powerful technology."
Are you worried about the rise of AI? Take our poll above and expand on your decision in the comments below.